Gov. Andy Beshear has authorized COVID-19 booster shots for all people over 18 who live or work in Kentucky, citing a concern about a possible increase in cases and the approaching holidays.
"Folks, you need to get vaccinated and get this booster, and now it should be fairly easy," Beshear said Wednesday in announcing his executive order.
The order comes as federal health officials appear to be on the verge of recommending COVID-19 booster shots for all adults as cases begin to rise in some states, driven by the highly contagious delta variant of the virus.
That decision could come as soon as this Friday.
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The booster shots are meant to increase immunity among those already vaccinated and have been authorized thus far for older adults or those at risk of infection because of health conditions or occupations.
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh, a retired Somerset physician who monitors and writes about COVID-19, said expanding access to booster shots is important with studies showing waning immunity and increasing breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals.
"I think that's a very wise idea," said Kavanagh, chairman of the patient advocacy group Health Watch USA. "Right now, immunity is waning. Everyone who's vaccinated needs to get a booster."
Also, Kavanagh said everyone not vaccinated should get vaccinated immediately, even if they've already had COVID-19.
Simply having had COVID-19 doesn't ensure immunity and having the infection carries the risks of what's known as "long COVID" — debilitating, lasting effects from the virus including fatigue, headaches, memory loss and other health problems.
"Even those mildly affected can develop lasting symptoms of COVID," Kavanagh said.
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Without broader vaccination against COVID-19, including booster shots, Kentucky and other states are at risk of yet another outbreak of infection similar the one that struck in July, as the delta variant continues to circulate, he said.
"Unless the rate of people who get boosters increases, I think we'll be in for another surge in cases," Kavanagh said.
Last week, Kentucky reached more than 10,000 deaths from COVID-19, fueled by the latest surge that hit those unvaccinated the hardest.
In Kentucky, about 59% of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 437,000 people — about 9% — have received boosters, the state reported Wednesday.
Vaccines are now available to those age 5 and older.
Beshear's order Wednesday adds Kentucky to a growing number of states expanding the booster shots to all adults including California, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arkansas and Colorado. New York City this week announced it will allow booster shots for all adults.
It means adults living or working in Kentucky may get a COVID-19 vaccination booster six months after their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, or two months after a single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Previously, boosters were advised for those over 65 as well as those with underlying conditions or who are exposed to many people through their work.
Beshear warned Monday that while COVID-19 cases in Kentucky "appear to be hitting a plateau," that doesn't mean the state won't experience another surge in cases.
"We are still at a very serious level," he said.
The free vaccines and boosters are widely available at pharmacies, health clinics, hospitals and other sites.
More information about vaccination sites is available on the state's kycovid19.ky.gov website or through the Louisville Metro Health and Wellness website.
Reach Deborah Yetter at [email protected] or 502-582-4228. Find her on Twitter at @d_yetter. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/subscribe.
