LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s first mass vaccination site is ramping up its distribution efforts as the capacity has doubled in size.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville's mass vaccination site ramps up distribution efforts
- Site is on track to administer 4,000 shots during its second week in operation
- Zero severe reactions or doses wasted, according to Public Health and Wellness' SarahBeth Hartlage
During a weekly COVID-19 briefing with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Dr. SarahBeth Hartlage, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness' interim medical director, mentioned the drive-thru operation at the Kentucky Expo Center is on track to administer 4,000 shots during its second week in operation, doubling projected doses.
“We are vaccinating approximately 800 individuals today, on track to 4,000 this week," said Hartlage.
Health officials also expect the speed of distribution to continue increasing.
“We are generally meeting the state standard of administering 90 percent of the doses within seven days of their arrival, so as quickly as its coming in, we’re pushing it back out,” explained Hartlage.
The Trump Administration announced Tuesday it’s making big changes to its COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy to get more people vaccinated quickly.
The first change is for states to quickly expand the people eligible to receive the vaccines to those 65 years and older. Hartlage says they are prepared to pivot as they vaccinate the next wave of people.
“Still have more capacity than we’re receiving in supply. We realize that’s going to change and when supply does open up the Vaccination Task Force will continue communications all of our health care partners across the metro area,” said Hartlage.
In response to opening up vaccine eligibility, health care workers say details about scheduling need to be worked out.
“Whether that’s more vaccination sites or whether it’s getting it into clinics or some other pathways that is a discussion that’s ongoing,” explained Hartlage.
For now, vaccinations are limited to the first group in the priority segment made up of health care workers and medical first responders.
“We’ve had zero severe reactions, we’ve had zero doses wasted,” said Hartlage.
As more vaccines arrive in the Commonwealth, the site is trying to expand its pool of people who can help. Health care leaders say volunteers will need to pass a background check.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint, so we’re glad for all of the people that are out here now and encourage more people to sign up and hope folks will stick with us for the long haul,” said Hartlage.