The Christian County Health Department has announced that it is now accepting COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Kentuckians 60 and older in Phase 1C of the state’s distribution plan.
The department, which operates a regional vaccine distribution site at the James E. Bruce Convention Center, is not yet accepting appointment requests for individuals who fall within other categories of Phase 1C. These sub-categories include all essential workers and people age 16 and older with the highest-risk conditions per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Appointments will not be opened for other categories in Phase 1C until a later date,” health department spokeswoman Amanda Sweeney Brunt said in a news release Wednesday.
Last month, the health department said it expected to open up the vaccine to those in Phase 1C in mid-March. Then, earlier this week, it announced the vaccine would be available for those in phase 1c on March 1. “Increased appointment availability,” prompted the department to open scheduling to those 60 and older on Wednesday, according to the release.
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Scheduling an appointment
Vaccines are being provided at the convention center by appointment only, and walk-ins are not accepted.
Residents in Phases 1A, 1B and those 60 and older can schedule an appointment online or by calling 270-887-4160 ext. 640. The department is experiencing a high call volume, and wait times may be longer than expected — the quickest way to sign up is online, Sweeney Brunt said.
Vaccines administered so far
On Jan. 4, weeks after receiving the county’s first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, the health department began taking names of individuals 70 and older. As of Tuesday, 3,781 seniors in this category had received immunizations at the regional distribution site.
The total includes residents from across the region — not just Christian County residents. The inoculation also has been offered to health care works, first responders and school staff. Long-term care residents have had access to vaccinations through a program administered by CVS and Kroger.
According to 2019 Census estimates, the county’s population of residents 70 and older is similar to the number of residents between the ages of 60 and 69 — approximately 5,960 and 5,880, respectively.
The health department was unable to provide the total number of residents 16 and older who have an underlying health condition, Sweeney Brunt said.
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Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
