Baptist Health Paducah to help fend off flu with Free Flu Vaccine Clinics
PADUCAH, KY (September 20, 2024) - October is the optimum month for getting a flu shot – and Baptist Health Paducah will make getting one a little easier for area residents with two clinics: Oct. 2 at the Murray State University Paducah Campus from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Oct. 14 at the Paducah Middle School Gymnasium from 2 – 5 p.m. The clinics are part of the health system’s 100 Days of Service centennial celebration.
Both events are available to residents at no cost, regardless of insurance. If you have insurance, your information may be collected, but there will be no cost for the vaccine.
“Baptist Health is committed to protecting the health of those in the communities that we serve. With that in mind, we recommend getting an annual flu shot in October,” said Laura Madison, pharmacist. “Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent the flu, with its fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches.”
With this event, Baptist Health is working with the Purchase District Health Department, The Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professionals, and LivWell Community Health Services to reach community members who may have trouble accessing flu vaccines. Baptist Health Medical Group provided valuable support in making arrangements for the vaccines.
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 some 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. In September, we participated in Chalk the Walk, to raise awareness for National Suicide Prevention Day and reaffirm our commitment to behavioral health.