LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 36% of Louisville Metro residents have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, the Louisville Metro Health Department, led by Dr. Sarah Beth Hartlage, is expanding who can get vaccinated at the Lou Vax mass drive-in location at Broadbent Arena.

The focus will remain adults 60 and up with hopes to finish vaccinating this group by April 1. The 1-C phase includes other subgroups including all essential employees as designated by the CDC and any adult 16 and older with a high-risk underlying health condition.

“If you’re an essential employee you will soon be able to schedule an appointment and you will not be required to submit documentation from your employer," Hartlage said Friday.

The same goes for Kentuckians 16 and above — they too do not need written proof from a doctor or medical institution of their condition. When asked about not asking for such documentation, Hartlage said she would hope people are honest with healthcare providers when seeking an appointment.

The Metro Health Department is also assisting employers with organizing staff vaccinations. There is a form on the Public Health Departments website for HR reps to fill out and submit.

“A member of our team will reach out to you after we receive that form to collect information and begin the process of getting your employees scheduled for a vaccination," Hartlage said. 

This is also the week Broadbent Arena swapped vaccines from the Moderna to Pfizer. Even so, Hartlage said this change will not affect anyone who still needs their second Moderna shot.

For anyone who has a vaccine preference, Hartlage had this to say.

“To put it simply all three vaccines are 100% effective at preventing death from COVID[-19] and so I encourage you not to shop around.”