COVINGTON, Ky. — Older Kentuckians are a more vulnerable population when it comes to COVID-19, but booster shots may be the key to staying safe.

CDC research shows that amid the Omicron wave, those 65 and older who haven't received that booster shot are 49 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to their boosted counterparts.

Karen Kruer, who's in her 60s, was getting tested for the virus on Saturday in Covington to prep for an upcoming trip. She said she's vaccinated, and she wants everyone to consider doing their part.

“Because you don’t know those circumstances of the person you’re going to be next to, and I think it’s important that we each take responsibility for those around us and not just worry about our own desires as an individual," Kruer said. She also stressed that it's important to continue masking up when indoors around a lot of people.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced earlier this week that more than 2 million Kentuckians have received their vaccine. At the same testing site, Audrey and Patrick Woods said they're vaccinated. They said both of their parents are 65 and older and they also have two small children – something that helped them make their decision.

When asked, they said they're glad their parents were vaccinated.

“I’m proud. I’m happy and makes me feel a little bit of relief," Audrey Woods said.

On Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 St. Elizabeth reported 251 COVID inpatients, 37 in the ICU and 25 on a ventilator. Of those on a ventilator, 72% were reported to be unvaccinated. Woods stressed that others themselves look to get the vaccine to help keep everyone healthy.

“It’s easy and a good way to stay healthy and we can all eventually get back to doing what we want to do," Woods said.