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What You Need To Know About Lexington's New Mass Vaccination Hub

AP Photo/Ronald Zak

A mass COVID-19 vaccination site is slated to open at the Kentucky Horse Park this coming Tuesday, though appointments will not be available for all groups originally advertised.

The Lexington site is the first location chosen as part of the state's partnership with Kroger. Three additional regional sites are opening through partners Ephraim McDowell Hospital in Danville and Western Baptist and Lourdes Mercy, both in Paducah.

The plan is to prioritize residents over 70, while accepting anyone with an appointment in priority groups 1A and 1B. The state had originally hoped to open up appointments for people in group 1C — which includes essential workers and those over 60 — but Gov. Andy Beshear says supplies have fallen short and many who were wary of the vaccine are changing their minds, leading to more sign-ups.

"We are seeing demand go through the roof in every single age group, even from three weeks ago," Beshear said.

Although 1C won't officially be on the list just yet, the Lexington regional center will be authorized to dip into that category if necessary to meet a goal of administering 90 percent of new supplies within the week.

To find where you fall in the priority list and to receive notifications, go to vaccine.ky.gov or call 855-598-2246 (855-326-5654 for the hearing impaired). Kentuckians are being asked not to sign up on multiple wait lists, which can complicate the process for providers. If you qualify, sign-ups are at Kroger.com/CovidVaccine.

The vaccinations will be given inside the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway. Parking will be free and recipients are being asked to remain in their vehicles until five minutes before their appointment. Transportation will be available for those needing help to make it inside the building.

Kentuckians can be vaccinated by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday the week of Feb. 1, then from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday beginning the week of Feb. 8.

The state recorded its highest single-day death toll on Thursday with 69 deaths, but the governor said other indicators, including new cases and the positivity rate, are trending downward.

KENTUCKY COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR THURSDAY:

  • 2,947 new cases 
  • 69 deaths
  • 9.04% positivity rate
  • 1,561 hospitalized
  • 370 in ICU
  • 205 on ventilator
  • 362,924 vaccinated
  • 466,700 doses received
Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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