FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentuckians 16 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the Commonwealth. 

This move puts Kentucky one week ahead of schedule, as this was originally set to happen next Monday. It also puts Kentucky almost one month ahead of President Joe Biden’s goal to have all American adults eligible for vaccines by May 1. 

"There are a couple of reasons why we're doing this. First, we are seeing in a number of states an increase in cases, an increase in hospitalizations, and its happening amongst younger people,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This we believe is because of the more aggressive variants. We want to get ahead of them.”

If you’ll recall, in the winter months, most leaders thought this final tier would not be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines until summer at the earliest. The FDA authorizing Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine for emergency use certainly helped speed up that timeline. The United States also ramped up production efforts, increasing supply to all states.

"To tell you the truth, I'm extremely happy we are going to have this opportunity. To be honest with you, I never thought it would be the case. I really didn't,” said Dr. Jason Smith, the chief medical officer at UofL Health. “I mean, I was surprised we had one vaccine, let alone three. I am definitely surprised we will be able to roll this out in the quantities we are expecting moving forward."

Smith said it has been a long year fighting COVID-19. Kentuckians have given up so much during this time, but Smith said this really could be the final stretch. He asks everyone to stay vigilant as vaccinations continue over the next few weeks.

UofL Health noticed as the Commonwealth opened up to new tiers, a smaller percentage of eligible Kentuckians were signing up for vaccinations than in the 70+ age group. Smith says he wants all Kentuckians to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Even though, you know, we think they are probably at less risk for getting a severe disease, if there is one thing I've noticed from this disease over the past year, it is unpredictability,” said Smith. “We still have a vast number of patients that were under the age of 40. They're in their 30s. Some of the sickest people we've had were in their 30s. I would love to see people continue to push forward."

Some health care providers in the Commonwealth are letting people know there are appointments open for people who want to get vaccinated. You can find more information on where and how to register here.