As of this week, all adults in both Ohio and Kentucky are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Kentucky lowered its eligibility tier Monday, allowing all residents ages 16 and up to get a vaccine if they want one. COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer are approved for ages 16+, while those from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for ages 18+.
Ohio began vaccinating all adult residents in March.
“This means Kentucky has beaten by a full month President Joe Biden’s goal and timeline for all Americans 16 and up being able to get the vaccine,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says in a press release. “These vaccines are our ticket out of this pandemic. They are not only safe; they are saving lives.”
“We all need to get vaccinated as soon as we can so fewer [coronavirus] variants have the opportunity to form. We’ve got to stay vigilant. Wear your masks, wash your hands, socially distance and get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” adds Steven Stack, M.D., commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Recent figures indicate that COVID-19 cases in the multi-state region may be inching back up.
As of April 4, Kentucky has 429,511 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and 6,171 deaths. 353 people are currently hospitalized and 97 are in the intensive care unit with coronavirus.
In Ohio, there are 1,026,929 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and 18,646 deaths as of April 5. The 21-day reported hospitalization average is 86, and the 21-day reported ICU admission average is 9.
For vaccine providers in Kentucky, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. In Ohio, visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.