Baptist Health helps fend off flu

Louisville, KY (Nov. 20, 2024) - More than 350 people got their annual shot to fend off the flu at October events organized by Baptist Health hospitals and physician practices as part of its 100 Days of Service centennial celebration.

Sixteen community partners helped facilitate the shot clinics, many offered in neighborhoods where it can be challenging to access healthcare.

October is the optimum month for getting a flu shot, according to the CDC.

Typically, the flu season in Kentucky and Southern Indiana begins in October or November.  If the flu shot is given too early, young children and adults over age 65 may see the vaccine’s strength weaken in the final weeks of the flu season, making people in these two groups more susceptible to catching the virus.

If given too late, you may catch the flu during the two weeks that it might take for your body to respond to the vaccine.

It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot.

Vaccine options

There are different flu vaccines approved for use by different age groups. Flu shots are appropriate for most people. Some may opt for the nasal spray flu vaccine, approved for those ages 2-49, but it’s not recommended for those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

Three flu vaccines are recommended for people aged 65 and older: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.

Centennial celebration

The original Kentucky Baptist Hospital in Louisville opened its doors in November 1924 following years of rallying community support and fundraising. Baptist Health has since expanded to 10 hospitals and more than 2,700 licensed beds, reaching nearly 75 percent of Kentucky residents and a wide swath of southern Indiana.

In 2024, Baptist Health celebrates its 100th anniversary, and is marking each month with a health-related “gift” to its communities.