LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — While the novel coronavirus is on our minds, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department doesn't want people to forget about another illness -- the flu.
“We want to make sure that people aren't getting sick and having to be hospitalized for the flu and that's very common. There are serious complications that can come from the flu, particularly people with underlying health conditions,” said LFCHD spokesman Kevin Hall. “We want to make sure the beds, the ICUs, all of our hospital staff and medical providers are freed up to take care of people who are getting sick through this pandemic.”
That's why health officials are urging people to get the flu shot, but also wanting them to be safe from COVID-19. To do this, the health department is holding a drive-thru flu shot event for anyone 13 years or older.
There are only 400 spots available, so you have to sign up in advance.
“You must pre-register so that we know who's going to be there and we have enough PPE to protect everyone and to make sure people aren't just gathering and putting themselves at risk of not only contracting it, but spreading to others,” Hall said.
Hall says hosting this event will also help them prepare for when a COVID-19 vaccine is available.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to practice,” he said. "Our IT staff designed a registration form so people can schedule that online, so that's been a test. It's a test of our communications and it's a test of our response at the event.”
This doesn't necessarily mean that the health department will hold a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine event, but it's an option.
The drive-thru flu shot event is Saturday, Oct. 3 at Consolidated Baptist Church at 1625 Russell Cave Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can register here.
If you miss out on the event or for children younger than 13, the health department will have free flu shots by appointment only at its clinic starting Monday, Oct. 5.
