As the flu season escalates in Kentucky, two local pharmacies in Pikeville are working together this Saturday to make seasonal flu shots more accessible for locals. Total Pharmacy Care and NOVA Pharmacy will host a drive-through flu shot clinic from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, located at 126 Fourth Street. Along with the influenza vaccine, the clinic will have other vaccinations available, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, meningitis, pneumonia and shingles. During the clinic this weekend, people can receive the flu shot in their vehicles, and the process to complete paperwork and receive the flu shot will take about five minutes per person. By law, a written doctor’s order must be provided at the clinic this weekend before the flu vaccination can be administered to anyone younger than 11 years old, Thornbury said. To receive the flu vaccine, the cost is $0 with most insurance or $29 without insurance. Cash or credit card is accepted.
The flu season in Kentucky has entered its 39th week, and there have been 182 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in Kentucky so far this season. As of the week of Sept. 28, Pike County has had 11 confirmed cases. Perry County has the highest county total in the state, with 53 confirmed cases. There have been zero deaths related to the flu so far in the state.