College of Pharmacy Hosting Flu Vaccine Clinic Targeting Underserved Population By Hillary Smith
With flu season underway, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is increasing access to vaccines against the illness through an outreach clinic. The clinic is taking place at the Lexington Rescue Mission and will be overseen by Brooke Hudspeth, Pharm.D., chief practice officer for the UK College of Pharmacy. This clinic will give members of the community who might not have easy access to vaccines an opportunity to get their flu shot.
Getting vaccinated in the fall is recommended due to peaks of flu in early February and into the spring. There are several benefits to getting the flu shot each season, such as preventing the flu for yourself and others, preventing a flu associated hospitalization, being protected if you have certain chronic health conditions, and if you are pregnant or have children. Those at higher risks for flu complications are those who are 65 years and older, as well as adults with chronic health conditions.
Some chronic health conditions that put you at higher risk for the flu are:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
Although getting a flu shot doesn't completely prevent you from getting the flu, it has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Some side effects can come from getting the flu shot, including mild allergy-like symptoms, fever, and aches. For more information about the getting vaccinated for the flu, contact your health care provider.
The UK College of Pharmacy Vaccine Outreach Clinic at the Lexington Rescue Mission will take place Nov. 15 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at 444 Glen Arvin Ave. in Lexington.