Lexington health officials emphasize childhood vaccinations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – New data from the CDC shows more and more school-age children are being left out of vaccinations.

Immunization rates among kindergarten teachers across the country have declined over the past year due to reported vaccinations.

Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said they came to Fayette Mall on Thursday to fight the flu.

“This is a great place because not only does it give more people who are currently shopping the opportunity to get a flu shot, but it also reminds those who aren’t getting it today to get a flu shot at some point this season provide,” said Hall.

They fired around 400 shots in four hours. One of them went to Winchester resident Christy Nentwick.

“It’s a small part you can do to protect yourself and your community,” Nentwick said.

The clinic comes shortly after the CDC released new findings that vaccination rates among the nation’s kindergarteners declined last school year and that more young children are seeking exemptions.

“It’s unfortunate that these are canceled, but I know our school nurses are doing an outstanding job,” Nentwick said.

Kentucky bucks national trend; The number of vaccinations against measles and whooping cough has increased in the last two years. However, the Commonwealth is still below the national average, with a coverage rate of 90-91%.

“We have heard too many people who are simply against any kind of vaccination, and we are afraid that these diseases are making a comeback,” Hall said.

Hall says hosting a visible clinic like this isn’t just important for flu shots.

“Hopefully this is a reminder that this can be relied upon and we are here to answer people’s questions,” Hall said.

If you missed Thursday’s clinic, Hall says the vaccination will be available by appointment the same day at the public health clinic starting Oct. 7.

It is aimed at those who are underinsured or have no insurance coverage.

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