We are awaiting final guidance on booster doses of the Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines. Complete information will be posted at www.lfchd.org and our Facebook page when available.

The Pfizer booster remains available by same-day appointment, 6 months after the 2nd dose, for the following:

• people ages 65 and older;
• people ages 18-64 with underlying medical conditions putting them at high risk of severe COVID-19 (this includes diabetes and heart, kidney or lung disease; more information on who is considered at high risk can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html);
• people ages 18 and older who live in long-term care or high-risk settings; and
• people ages 18-64 who are likely to get exposed at work (examples include health care and education).

Anyone who needs a Pfizer booster or has yet to receive their first dose or second dose (or third dose for immunocompromised people) can call 859-288-2483 to schedule their same-day appointment. Our Public Health Clinic offers the Moderna and Janssen vaccines for ages 18 and older and the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and older.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will spray for mosquitoes early on the morning of Sept. 14 in the 40505 and 40511 area codes after a bird in the area tested positive West Nile Virus. Spraying will be done between 3-6 a.m. Tuesday. For spraying to occur, the wind speed must be less than 10 mph, the temperature must be greater than 55 degrees F and there can be no rain or dense fog. The mosquito spray used by the health department only affects adult mosquitoes that are in the air at the time of spraying.

To learn more about LFCHD’s mosquito program, please visit: https://www.lfchd.org/fight-the-bite-eliminate-mosquitoes-this-summer/.

NEW LOCATION: We are offering a special Saturday COVID-19 vaccination clinic! The free Pfizer vaccine will be available for ages 12 years and older 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at STEAM Academy, 1555 Georgetown Road. Walk-ins accepted, or schedule https://tiny.lfchd.org/l?eventKey=84E4CDB142E0C0D82A81C52A50163BC1.

En español

Ubicación Nueva: 12-4 p.m. sábado, 11 de septiembre, STEAM Academy, 1555 Georgetown Road . Puede programar una cita en https://tiny.lfchd.org/l?eventKey=84E4CDB142E0C0D82A81C52A50163BC1&lang=sp. Se aceptarán pacientes sin cita.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is offering two COVID-19 vaccine opportunities this week! The vaccine is FREE and available for anyone ages 18 and older who lives or works in Lexington. Walk-ins are accepted!

Moderna vaccine

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road. Walk-ins accepted, and appointments can be made at tiny.lfchd.org/l?eventKey=AC7164C399ECD46B7ACCBA98814CB690.
  • This link is not for anyone needing a second dose of the Moderna vaccine – the health department contacts you directly to schedule a second dose.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine

• 1-5 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at Southeast Lexington Center, 3712 Arbor Court. Walk-ins accepted, and appointments can be made at tiny.lfchd.org/l?eventKey=8873C9252CE785B855C015D01D09C3E8.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for Friday, April 16, has been CANCELED following the CDC and FDA review of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. Details about any future clinics will be shared when available. This does not affect anyone who is due to receive their second dose of the Moderna vaccine from us.

More information about other vaccination opportunities are available at https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines.

En español

La clínica de vacunación del COVID-19 programada para el viernes 16 de abril, ha sido cancelada tras la revisión de la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) por la CDC y FDA. Los detalles sobre las futuras clínicas se compartirán cuando estén disponibles. Esto no afecta a nadie que deba recibir su segunda dosis de la vacuna Moderna de parte nuestra.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department today announced it has successfully completed a review process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The nonprofit PHAB works to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation. In maintaining its accreditation status for another five years, LFHCD has demonstrated that it meets PHAB’s quality standards and measures and has the capacity to continue to evolve, improve and advance, thereby becoming increasingly effective at improving the health of the residents of Lexington.

PHAB’s accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance.

“We are proud to once again be recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for achieving its national standards, demonstrating that the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department continues to set the bar high in our efforts to help Lexington be well,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh. “The health department’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic further affirms our commitment to the health of all Lexington residents. Through the data we share, the policies we promote, and the services we provide, LFCHD shows the value we bring to the community each day.”

LFCHD achieved national initial accreditation status through PHAB on Feb. 17 after undergoing a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it met a set of quality standards and measures. Compliance Officer Katrina Howard oversaw LFCHD’s submission. Today’s announcement goes a step further by demonstrating that LFCHD has the capacity to become increasingly effective at improving the health of Lexington.

“We are extremely pleased to be at the point in the accreditation program where the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, along with many others, are successfully maintaining their five-year accreditation status through PHAB,” said PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, FAAN. “In so doing, these health departments are assuring their communities that the value of accreditation is long-term – not a one-time recognition – and that continual improvement is the hallmark of a 21st century organization.”

Often called the “backbone” of the public health system, public health departments are on the front lines of communities’ efforts to protect and promote health and prevent disease and injury. PHAB-accredited health departments demonstrate great leadership by placing their work for peer review, with the goal of using the feedback obtained during the process to improve the services they provide to their communities.

Give thanks, not COVID-19!

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of being exposed to, getting or spreading COVID-19 during Thanksgiving!

• Traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people you don’t live with. Avoid high-traffic public areas, such as bathrooms and dining spaces.
• Wear a mask at all times when around people.
• Avoid potluck-style gatherings and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks. Limit traffic where food is being prepared or handled. Do not share serving utensils.
• Disinfect all reusables when the event is over.

Voting is important, and safe voting is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember to follow these steps to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19 when casting your ballot. Learn more at www.healthyvoting.org/kentucky/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/election-polling-locations.html#VoterRecommendations.

And for after you vote, here’s an “I voted safely” sticker to print to show the community you followed public health guidelines!

Be safe this when celebrating Halloween this year!

The CDC and Kentucky Department for Public Health have information to help you reduce the risk of catching/spreading COVID-19 this season.