LEXINGTON, Ky. — Consolidated Baptist Church is helping people get booster shots, thanks to a partnership with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. LFCHD is offering their first round of boosters for people immunocompromised, over 65, or a front line worker which is among other qualifications.
Mary Linn received her COVID-19 moderna booster shot Wednesday afternoon in Consolidated Baptist Church, a place of worship she has been going for years. Wednesday was the first time she returned in-person since the beginning of the pandemic. She has been utilizing virtual worship services from the church in order to prevent any potential COVID-19 exposure outside of her home. Linn’s mouth is not visible but from her excitement, it is smiles ear to ear for the Lexington resident and former Fayette County Public School teacher.
“OK two is right here, OK come with you?,” said Linn.
Linn has been in a strict quarantine since the pandemic started which is a personal choice. She has her children check on her, bring her groceries. She looks forward to days like Wednesday where she can get outside and have the chance to receive the COVID-19 Moderna booster shot.
“I am glad to be here,” said Linn.
The former Fayette County Public schoolteacher was excited to receive her Moderna COVID-19 booster shot even though she was a little anxious.
“I was looking forward to it. If this can be a life saver, this is what I need. Not only for myself but for anyone that I am in contact with,” said Linn.
Lynn was able to get her booster shot because of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. LFCHD is making the shots available to people who are at high risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19, that includes people who are 65 and older front line workers, people who smoke or people with diabetes. As of Nov. 2, in Fayette county there is a daily case rate of 18.6 per 100,000 people putting the county in the “orange” zone, that is according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Family and Health services.
“Not only here in Lexington but throughout the country is that fully vaccinated people are not ending up in the hospital at the same pace as the unvaccinated. If you look at the deaths it is overwhelmingly among unvaccinated people, so it can keep you safe, it can keep you out of the hospital and it can keep you from dying,” said Kevin Hall, Communications Officer, LFCHD.
Lynn hopes this booster shot will help her regain some normalcy which includes being back in-person for worship with the people she loves the most, sitting inside Consolidated Baptist Church for the first time since the pandemic started reminds her a little bit of what that normalcy feels like.
“As I call it the new norm, whatever it is, let us get back,” said Linn.
Today was just a little sliver of normalcy for Linn.
“Hi, hello, how is everybody doing?,” said Linn.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says Wednesday afternoon's booster clinic was completely booked and that is the same for this Friday's clinic. Qualifying individuals who did not receive a slot Wednesday or Friday can get the booster, all COVID-19 vaccines by booking same day appointments. Appointments are located at 650 Newtown Pike, are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday by calling 859-288-2483. Click here for more information on scheduling LFCHD COVID-19 booster shot.