LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – New data from the CDC shows a growing number of school-age children are receiving exemptions from vaccinations.
Of the vaccines reported last year, immunization rates among kindergarteners nationwide decreased.
Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said he came to Fayette Mall on Thursday ready to fight the flu.
“This is a great place because it not only allows people who are just shopping to get their flu shot, but it also reminds people who didn’t get one today to get one this season. ” Hall said.
They fired about 400 shots in four hours. One of them was sent to Winchester resident Kristy Netwick.
“It’s the little things you can do to keep yourself and your community safe,” Netwick said.
The clinic comes shortly after the CDC released new findings showing that vaccination rates among kindergartners nationwide decreased last school year, with an increase in the number of young children receiving exemptions. .
“It’s unfortunate that we’re going to lose them, but we know that our school health nurses are doing a great job,” Netwick said.
Kentucky is bucking the national trend. Measles and pertussis vaccinations have increased over the past two years. However, federal coverage remains below the national average at 90-91%.
“I’ve heard that too many people are against getting any kind of vaccine, and I’m concerned that we’re going to see a resurgence of these diseases,” Hall said.
So Hall says hosting a visible clinic like this is about much more than just getting a flu shot.
“I hope you remember that this is something you can trust. We’re here to answer people’s questions,” Hall said.
If you miss Thursday’s clinic, starting Oct. 7 you will be able to get vaccinated at a public health clinic with a same-day appointment, Hall said.
This applies to people who are uninsured or uninsured.
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