ERLANGER, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear was in Northern Kentucky Wednesday, joining St. Elizabeth Healthcare in administering its 100,000th COVID-19 vaccine at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Training and Education Center in Erlanger.
What You Need To Know
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare administered its 100,000th vaccination Wednesday
- Gov. Beshear spoke about the state's plan for reopening
- Reopening Kentucky hinges on reaching 2.5 million vaccinations, roughly 70% of the state's adult population
St. Elizabeth is the largest healthcare provider in Northern Kentucky, having vaccinated 250,000 Kentuckians. In partnership with the state, the Training and Education Center has served as the primary center for mass vaccine distribution for the region.
Beshear also laid out vaccination goals he said Kentucky needs to hit before the state can drop its capacity restrictions.
Leslie Salsbury, patient 100,000 at the St. Elizabeth clinic, waited patiently as Beshear gave an update on the state’s vaccination efforts.
“I feel fine,” Salsbury said minutes after her shot. “It’s very exciting. I have small kids at home, and vulnerable people in my family, so I’m happy to do my part to keep everybody healthy and safe.”
Kentuckians doing their part is the main point hit on during his time in Erlanger.
“The race to vaccinate is more important in Kentucky right now than ever. We must not let a fourth wave take place here in the commonwealth,” he said. “We are going to win the war against COVID-19 this year.”
The governor is encouraging all Kentuckians 16 and older to get their shot, and tell everyone they know to get theirs as well.
As part of the Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge, the state’s goal is for 2.5 million Kentuckians, which is more than 70% of adults in the state, to at least get their first dose.
“Once we do that, almost all venues, 1,000 people or under, we will end our capacity restrictions,” Beshear said.
Beshear said that goal is possible to reach within five to six weeks if the state is able to reach people who are casual or indifferent toward getting vaccinated.
To those people, Salsbury said her message is: “Even though you’re scared of needles, or hesitant. I think it’s very important to get the vaccine to help those around you.”
Beshear said he’s encouraging Kentuckians to stay calm in regard to the pause on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Only six people out of 6.8 million who received the J&J vaccine developed a blood clot issue.
Beshear said less than 5% of vaccines administered in Kentucky have been Johnson & Johnson.