LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Doctors at UofL Health are noticing a new coronavirus trend where younger adults between the ages of 30 and 40 are becoming infected and hospitalized. Dr. Mark Burns, an expert in infectious diseases at UofL Health, says it's up to this group of young adults to now get vaccinated and reverse the trend. Burns believes the infections are happening for several reasons. For one, because older Kentuckians were prioritized for vaccination first.

Burns feels other reasons for the virus hitting this particular age group can include COVID-19 fatigue, being unable to work remotely from home, spring break and vaccine hesitancy. Burns says most of the patients hospitalized have comorbidities, like an elevated Body Mass Index (BMI). 

"So, I do believe vaccinations will make a difference. It's going to be incumbent upon the younger people," he said. "We actually are on the cusp of the possible fourth spike."

Gov. Andy Beshear announced last week he will ease more of his coronavirus restrictions once 2.5 million Kentuckians are vaccinated. Beshear then mentioned it could take between four and six weeks. 

"It's incentive," remarked Burns. "Particularly for those that are vaccine hesitant. There are a lot of people who actually have made up in their minds that they don't want to be vaccinated, regardless, which is not a good plan at all."

"I think the time-table the governor has given is a little ambitious," Burns reflected. "I believe we can get there, but I think it may take a little longer. In my mind, I'm thinking maybe on the order of six to eight weeks," he added.

In Kentucky, now anyone 16 and older can get a vaccine. UofL Health's mass vaccination site at Cardinal Stadium is open until 8 p.m. through Friday this week, to make it more convenient for this group of working people to get the shot after work.