BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Over 1.7 million Kentuckians have been vaccinated, but experts say herd immunity is still unlikely.
What You Need To Know
- Over 1.7 million Kentuckians have been vaccinated
- Around 65-75% of an entire population need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity
- The 60 and older demographic has the best chance to achieve herd immunity
- Roughly 41% of the Kentucky Population has been vaccinated
Vice President of Med Center Health Melinda Joyce says herd immunity is the goal but is not likely to happen.
"We have had a lot of people get the vaccine, but there is still a long way to go to reach herd immunity," said Joyce.
However, one population is closer than most to actually reaching the goal.
"We have had a great response here in our area, particularly in those that are 60 and older," said Joyce. "The response rate is close to 65%, so in that particular population, we are very close to herd immunity."
Politics, as well as general preference, are just some of the theories as to why it may not happen for those younger than 60, but Bowling Green resident Martha Shartzer thinks all should get it.
"We’re going to have to do this together," said Shartzer. "It’s not anything that I can do, and you can’t do, we all have to do our part to get through it.”
Reasons as to why it may be harder to achieve vary, but Joyce says politics may be a factor.
"I do think for some people it could be a political issue," said Joyce. "I find that unfortunate that politics would have anything to do with a health issue, particularly a health crisis like what we have seen.”
The Med Center continues to administer the vaccine and is the largest vaccination site in Bowling Green.