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Pharmacy News

Summer hours at The Apothecary begin May 12

Starting Monday, May 12, hours at The Apothecary will change for the summer. The UK Retail Pharmacy will be open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Apothecary, a full-service UK Retail Pharmacy location, is on the first floor of the UK Gatton Student Center across from the Cats' Den. Like all UK Retail Pharmacies, The Apothecary offers the lowest prescription prices in Lexington, as well as vaccinations, over-the-counter medications and free mail delivery for most prescriptions. The pharmacy is open to everyone and accepts most insurance plans.

The Apothecary's campus prescription delivery service will remain available throughout the summer. This service QR code to enroll in campus delivery service provides UK students and campus employees a convenient way to have their medications delivered right to their residence hall or office, at no extra charge. Most medications are eligible for the service. Those who are interested in campus delivery can scan the QR code or enroll online to get started.

The Apothecary will return to regular hours Aug. 18.

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with seven locations in Lexington open to everyone, and one, the Bluegrass Clinic Pharmacy in Beaumont, open to UK employees and patients of the UK Bluegrass Care Clinic.

To learn more about UK Retail Pharmacies, visit ukpharmacy.org or call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).

UK Retail Pharmacies offering 90-day prescription supply for summer

Heading away from campus for the summer but still need your medications? UK Retail Pharmacies makes it easy by offering 90-day prescription fills.

When requesting a refill, simply request a 90-day supply – it's that easy. Most insurance plans cover 90-day fills for non-specialty drugs. To learn more about what your insurance plan covers and see if your prescriptions are eligible, ask the pharmacy.

Still prefer to get your medications monthly? Free mail delivery is also available for most prescriptions.

UK Retail Pharmacies offer eight convenient locations on and off campus.

On campus, The Apothecary is located on the first floor of the Gatton Student Center, and the University Health Services Retail Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the University Health Service Building.

If you would like to transfer prescriptions to a UK Retail Pharmacy location, simply fill out this easy form. We'll handle the rest.

For more information about the services available through UK Retail Pharmacies, visit ukpharmacy.org or call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).

UK Retail Pharmacies chosen best in Lexington … again

For the second year in a row, UK Retail Pharmacies have been crowned the Best Pharmacies in Lexington in Smiley Pete’s Best of Lex awards. This honor is a testament to the outstanding service and commitment to health UK Retail Pharmacies provide to the community.

“We are proud to be recognized once again by the Lexington community,” said Dan Grantz, PharmD, senior director of Retail & Community Pharmacy Services. “Our team’s dedication to providing exceptional care and service is at the heart of what we do, and it’s an honor to see our efforts celebrated.”

Best of Lex seal The Best of Lex awards are presented by Smiley Pete Publications, which includes the Chevy Chaser and Southsider magazines. They celebrate local businesses that go above and beyond in serving their customers and the community. With over 260,000 votes cast by community members across all categories, UK Retail Pharmacies took first place in the Pharmacy category.

Last year, UK Retail Pharmacies also earned the Best Pharmacies title in the Lexington Herald-Leader’s Best of Lexington contest, further highlighting their dedication to the community.

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with seven locations in Lexington open to everyone and one, the Bluegrass Clinic Pharmacy in Beaumont, open to UK employees and patients of the UK Bluegrass Care Clinic. Most insurance plans are accepted.

To learn more about UK Retail Pharmacies, visit ukpharmacy.org or call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).

It’s not too late to get your flu, COVID shots

Flu cases are soaring in Kentucky, but you can still protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

This season’s flu cases have reached their highest levels. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported 286 lab-confirmed flu cases for the week ending Jan. 25, an increase of 100 cases from the previous week. This significant increase highlights the rapid spread of the flu in the community.

If you haven’t received your flu or COVID vaccine yet, you can still get both at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic at 245 Fountain Court. The clinic, located near Man O’War and Richmond Road, offers vaccines for those 6 months and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all locations.

The COVID vaccine may be received at the same time as the flu shot; just let your pharmacist know.

Scheduling an appointment

Scan the QR code at right or schedule an appointment online. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select “Vaccine” and select the vaccines you would like administered. Then choose a time and location that works for you.

Walk-ins are available at some locations. Visit ukpharmacy.org for a list of all locations and hours.

For more information about the services available through UK Retail Pharmacies, visit ukpharmacy.org or call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579) to reach any of our locations.

UK Turfland Health and Wellness Clinic now open

The UK Turfland Health and Wellness is now open, providing a new resource for those seeking effective weight management solutions.

The clinic offers FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Saxenda, to patients who meet medical qualifications.

The service is open to everyone, and no referral from a provider is needed.

Safe and affordable

The clinic's goal is to offer a safe, accessible and affordable option for patients who could benefit from these medications as part of their weight management plan. These GLP-1 medications can play a crucial role in an overall treatment plan, providing a practical alternative to bariatric surgery. The clinic only offers FDA-approved medications, not compounded medications, highlighting the clinic's commitment to safety and efficacy.

These medications are offered at cash pricing levels. This means patients can take advantage of UK HealthCare medication discounts with no insurance required.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the weight loss medication services, patients must meet the following criteria:

Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27-30 with co-morbidities.
Not currently taking any of the following medications.
- Other GLP-receptor against medications.
- Sulfonylurea.
- Short-acting, medium-acting or long-acting insulins.
- Sinaclide.
- Other medications for weight loss.
Do not have:
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
- History of pancreatitis.
- History or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (thyroid C-cell tumors).
- History or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- History of an eating disorder.
Not pregnant.

How to get started

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Simply scan the QR code at right or click here, and choose "Primary Care," then "New Patient – Weight Loss." All appointments are via telehealth.

If your insurance does not cover this medication, then you may qualify for a UK HealthCare special program with reduced medication pricing. The reduced medication pricing is subject to change quarterly, and based on the selected medication the price could range from $400 to $700 per month.

The UK Turfland Health and Wellness Clinic, part of UK Retail Pharmacies, is committed to helping patients achieve their weight management goals through safe and effective medication options. Questions? Call 859-257-3596.

Pneumococcal vaccine available for adults 50 and older at UK Retail Pharmacies

UK Retail Pharmacies are now offering the pneumococcal vaccine to adults aged 50 and older. This update follows new CDC guidelines aimed at expanding protection against pneumococcal disease.

The decision to lower the recommended vaccine age from 65 to 50 is based on evidence that adults in this age group are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease. This bacterial infection can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Scheduling an appointment QR code to schedule vaccine appointment

Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease to prepare for the winter respiratory-illness season. Scheduling an appointment is easy. Just scan the QR code to the right or click here to make an appointment. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select "Vaccine" and then "Pneumococcal." Then choose a time and location that works for you.

Visit ukpharmacy.org to see a full list of UK Retail Pharmacies locations and services. Questions? Call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).

Mpox vaccine now available at UK Retail Pharmacies

Four University of Kentucky Retail Pharmacies are now able to administer the mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccine to improve access to those at risk across Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Cases of mpox may be far from people’s minds as the numbers are significantly lower than two years ago. However, the United States reports an average of 50-60 cases a week, with cases still diagnosed here in Kentucky.

Mpox causes an often-painful rash, fevers, chills, and requires significant time in isolation after infection. Fortunately, severe complications, including death, are very rare. Currently there is not a readily available treatment for mpox, so the best option for communities at risk is vaccination.

The vaccine (trade name Jynneos) is safe, effective and given in two doses over a 28-day period. Common side effects can include itching and a small lump at the injection site, which goes away with time.

The Jynneos vaccine is part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s adult vaccine recommendations, and is covered by almost all major insurers (some might have a copayment). UK employee and student health plans cover the vaccine with zero copayment. For those who are uninsured, a limited number of doses are available through grant funding secured by the University via the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

The following UK Retail Pharmacies offer the mpox vaccine:

UK The Apothecary (ground floor, Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions)
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.

Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, Kentucky Clinic, 740 S. Limestone)
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.

Turfland Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Turfland, 2195 Harrodsburg Road)
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.

Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Fountain Court, 245 Fountain Court)
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed 1-1:30 p.m.) Walk-ins accepted.
- Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.

COVID, flu vaccinations available at UK Retail Pharmacies

The new COVID-19 vaccine, along with standard and high-dose flu shots for the 2024 flu season, are now available at UK Retail Pharmacies.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-25 COVID vaccine. The new vaccine will help protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID this fall and winter. This is regardless of whether you have ever previously received a COVID vaccine.

Standard flu shots are available for people age 5 and older at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations. (It is recommended that pregnant women discuss all vaccinations with their OB/GYN first.) The high-dose shot is approved for people age 65 and older.

The UK Pharmacist Care Clinic location in S. Lexington near Man O' War and Richmond Road, offers flu and COVID vaccines for those 6 months and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all locations.

The COVID vaccine may be received at the same time as the flu shot; just let your pharmacist know. For additional help regarding vaccinations, you can reach the Pharmacist Care Team at 859-562-2018.

Pharmacy hours for flu and COVID vaccines

Chandler Retail Pharmacy
- Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. by appointment only.
Good Samaritan Retail Pharmacy
- Monday- Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. by appointment only.
Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted
Pharmacist Care Clinic (245 Fountain Court, Room 220)
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed 1-1:30 p.m.) Walk-ins accepted.
- Saturday 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.
Turfland Clinic Retail Pharmacy
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.
UK Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy
- Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. & 5-7 p.m. by appointment only.
- Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. by appointment only.
- The Pharmacist Care Clinic is located on the second floor and accepts walk-ins. See the clinic's hours above.
UK The Apothecary at Gatton Student Center (first floor)
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.
University Health Retail Pharmacy
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.

UK HealthCare employees are welcome to get their required flu shot at any UK Retail Pharmacy location; there is no extra reporting step, and the pharmacies have badge buddies available.