To make it easier for you to find all the information about COVID-19 for Lexington, we’ve created a special page with essential information. The page will be updated regularly, so please keep checking back as we provide information on COVID-19 as part of helping Lexington be well: COVID-19 and Lexington.
Flu and COVID-19 cases on the rise
DEC. 4, 2023: Flu and COVID-19 cases are spreading in Fayette County.
Lexington is now up to 227 lab-confirmed flu cases, including 40 last week, making it three straight weeks with 40-plus new cases. Almost 87% of the 227 cases have not received the seasonal flu shot.
The city also saw 349 new COVID-19 cases last week, which does not include home-test kits. With 371 cases the week before, that’s the highest two-week total (720) since 841 Feb. 5-18, 2023.
You can protect your family, your friends and yourself this holiday season by getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Anyone without insurance or kids with Medicaid can get free flu and COVID-19 shots in our Public Health Clinic Monday-Thursday by same-day appointment by calling 859-288-2483.
We encourage others with insurance to get the COVID-19 shot at area pharmacies or medical providers. Visit vaccine.gov to see more options.
Nominate someone for the 2024 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award
It is time to nominate people for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award. The award, now in its 21st year, is for individuals who have demonstrated their dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents.
Criteria for the selection of the award include:
- Exemplary leadership and diligence in promoting public health;
- Remarkable contributions and support in fostering public health programs; and
- Work or actions that have impacted the community’s health in a positive way.
The Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health renamed the award in 2016 in honor of the late Dr. Rice C. Leach “so future generations will know what a true public health super hero is.” Leach, who served as Lexington’s Commissioner of Health for five years, died in April 2016 following a battle with cancer.
If you know of someone to nominate for this award, please provide the following information:
- Name, professional title and organization;
- Phone number and e-mail address of nominee; and
- Examples of why the person is worthy of the award. Descriptions should be no more than 200 words.
- Your name and contact information.
How to Nominate Someone
Submit nominations here: www.lfchd.org/public-health-hero-award-nomination.
The deadline for submitting candidates is noon, Friday, March 1.
The Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health will make the final determination. The winner will receive special recognition from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. The awards are given each April as part of National Public Health Week.
Past winners include Dr. Kraig Humbaugh (2023), Lexington Fire Department Battalion Chief Marc Bramlage and Dr. Sharon Walsh (2022), Pastor Richard Gaines and Consolidated Baptist Church (2021), Jon Parker (2020), Mark Johnson (2019), Dr. Svetla Slavova (2018), Kentucky State Sen. Reginald Thomas (2017), Dr. Leach (2016), Dr. Susan Pollack and Marian F. Guinn (2015), the Rev. Willis Polk and Baby Health Service (2014), Anita Courtney and Teens Against Tobacco Use (2013); Vickie Blevins-Booth and Jay McChord (2012); Jill Chenault-Wilson and Dr. Malkanthie McCormick (2011); Dr. Jay Perman (2010); the Lexington Lions Club (2009); Dr. David Stevens and the late Dr. Doane Fischer (2008); Dr. Ellen Hahn, Mary Alice Pratt and Therese Moseley (2007); Dr. Andrew Moore and Rosa Martin (2006); Jan Brucato and Dragana Zaimovic (2005); and Dr. John Michael Moore, Ellen Parks and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (2004). Dr. Robert Lam received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
2023-24 flu season: Cases continue to rise in Fayette County
Flu cases continue to rise in Lexington.
Fayette County had 27 new lab-confirmed cases last week, bringing the total to 105 for the 2023-24 flu season. About 85% of all the cases have not received the seasonal flu shot.
Flu Shots in Public Health Clinic
Free flu shots are available for uninsured/underinsured people by same-day appointment only at LFCHD’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 Monday-Thursday to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic.
Flu Shot Information
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.
In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
Please remember that lab-confirmed cases only reflect a small percentage of flu cases actually in Lexington, so the actual case count is likely much higher. Many providers use rapid testing, which is not required to be reported to state/local health departments.
You’ll be thankful for these Thanksgiving tips
The following food safety tips will allow you to prepare, serve and enjoy a safe holiday meal:
- Wash hands – Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water following restroom use, before preparing foods, after handling raw meat and before eating.
- Clean – Wash and sanitize food-contact surfaces often. To sanitize utensils, immerse for 30 seconds in clean, hot water at 170 degrees Fahrenheit, or immerse for at least one minute in a solution containing one teaspoon of 5.25 percent household bleach per gallon of water. Bacteria can spread and get onto cutting boards, knives and counter tops. Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing.
- Thaw properly – Proper methods for thawing a turkey include thawing in a refrigerator with a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less (allow 3-4 days for thawing); placing under cool running water at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or less; or thawing in microwave and cooking the turkey immediately.
- Take temperatures – Cook turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked, hot foods should be kept at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check temperatures.
- Keep it cold – Cold foods should be kept at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less. After the turkey is served, immediately slice and refrigerate on shallow platters. Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within three to four days. Use gravy within one to two days. If freezing leftovers, use within two to six months for best quality.
- Transport safely – Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Reheat – Leftover turkey and stuffing should be stored separately in shallow dishes or platters. Rapidly reheat leftovers to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When in doubt, throw it out – If you are unsure of how long a particular food item has been left out at room temperature, the best thing to do is discard the item.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday. For more information about food safety, please contact the Division of Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791.
Learn more about respiratory viruses
The Kentucky Department for Public Health has launched a new page to help provide information about Respiratory Virus Season in Kentucky. Please click here to learn more: Respiratory Viruses.
Respiratory Viruses
Viruses that cause respiratory diseases, like the ones that cause COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), usually spread in the fall and winter. Anyone can get a respiratory virus infection, but some people are at higher risk for serious illness. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) recommends the following actions to protect yourself and others:
- Stay up to date with vaccines
- Stay home, if sick
- Wash hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Consider wearing a mask if you are high-risk for serious illness
Don’t say ‘boo’ to these Halloween safety tips!
Halloween can be scary enough as is, so take steps to keep it from being even more frightening! Kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Make it easier for drivers to see your kids by giving your child a flashlight or glow stick, and attach reflective tags or wristbands to their costumes! Learn more from the CDC!
You can also use these suggestions for healthier snacks/treats for your visitors!
2023-24 flu season begins: 1st confirmed cases reported
OCT. 3, 2023: It’s officially flu season in Fayette County: Lexington has its first two lab-confirmed flu cases of 2023-24.
Lexington had 3,472 lab-confirmed flu cases and 16 flu-related deaths in the 2022-23 flu season. About 80% of the cases were in people who were not vaccinated.
Flu Shots in Public Health Clinic
Free flu shots are available for uninsured/underinsured people by same-day appointment only at LFCHD’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 Monday-Thursday to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic.
Flu Shot Information
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.
In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
Please remember that lab-confirmed cases only reflect a small percentage of flu cases actually in Lexington, so the actual case count is likely much higher. Many providers use rapid testing, which is not required to be reported to state/local health departments. We are aware of people in our community testing positive for the flu virus in their provider’s offices through rapid testing, and the flu will continue to spread throughout the winter.
Free Flu Shot Clinic
UPDATED: This clinic is now closed. Thanks to everyone who visited!
Free flu shots are available for anyone 6 months and older at the 2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic 3-6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Downing Road. Pre-registration is required, so sign up now at www.LFCHD.org/FluShots2023 (or www.lfchd.org/gripe2023espanol/ in Spanish)! The high-dose vaccine for ages 65 and older will also be available at this year’s event in limited quantities.
Be sure to check out the Facebook Event listing: 2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic Facebook Event.
Register now for Oct. 12 Free Flu Shot Clinic
SEPT. 28, 2023: Registration is now live for the 2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic being held 3-6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Downing Road. Additional details, including how to register online, are available at www.lfchd.org/flushots2023/. The high-dose vaccine for ages 65 and older will be available in limited quantities.
Be sure to check out the Facebook Event listing: 2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic Facebook Event.
Lexington had 3, 472 lab-confirmed flu cases and 16 flu-related deaths in the 2022-23 flu season. About 80% of the cases were in people who were not vaccinated.
“The annual flu shot remains the best way to fight flu to protect yourself, your family and everyone around you each fall and winter,” LFCHD spokesperson Kevin Hall said.
In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.
Flu & COVID-19 shots now available in Public Health Clinic
Flu Shots
Free flu shots are available for uninsured/underinsured people by same-day appointment only at LFCHD’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 Monday-Thursday to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic. Note: Please visit www.LFCHD.org/FluShots2023 for information on Oct. 12’s Free Flu Shot Clinic, which is open to anyone who wants a free flu shot!
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.
Lexington had 3,472 lab-confirmed flu cases and 16 flu-related deaths in the 2022-23 flu season. About 80% of the cases were in people who were not vaccinated.
“The annual flu shot remains the best way to fight flu to protect yourself, your family and everyone around you each fall and winter,” LFCHD spokesperson Kevin Hall said.
In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
COVID-19 Shots
The new COVID-19 shot is now available in our Public Health Clinic by same-day appointment Monday-Thursday for ages 6 months and older. The health department will ONLY be providing the shot to those who qualify for the Kentucky Vaccine Program – those who are uninsured and children with Medicaid. The COVID-19 shot will be free for those in those groups.
Those who qualify for the Kentucky Vaccine Program can make same-day appointments by calling our Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike, at 859-288-2483.
We encourage others with insurance to get the COVID-19 shot at area pharmacies or medical providers.
The updated COVID-19 shot is recommend for everyone ages 6 months and older. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Healthy children and adults can still experience severe illness from COVID-19.
The updated shot should work well against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and continue to be the best way to protect yourself against severe disease. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh any potential risks. Serious reactions after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. You can learn more here: www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-vaccine-recommendations-9-12-2023.html.
Public Health Clinic: Updated COVID-19 shot information
OCT. 2, 2023: The new COVID-19 shot is available in our Public Health Clinic by same-day appointment Monday-Thursday for ages 6 months and older. The health department will ONLY be providing the shot to those who qualify for the Kentucky Vaccine Program – those who are uninsured and children with Medicaid. The COVID-19 shot will be free for those in those groups.
Those who qualify for the Kentucky Vaccine Program can make same-day appointments by calling our Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike, at 859-288-2483.
We encourage others with insurance to get the COVID-19 shot at area pharmacies or medical providers.
The updated COVID-19 shot is recommend for everyone ages 6 months and older. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Healthy children and adults can still experience severe illness from COVID-19.
The updated shot should work well against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and continue to be the best way to protect yourself against severe disease. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh any potential risks. Serious reactions after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. You can learn more here: www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-vaccine-recommendations-9-12-2023.html.