Kentucky officials have released the priority list outlining when COVID-19 vaccines will become available to various groups, but they're also allowing providers to schedule some out of order if it will increase the speed of vaccinations.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday he is not satisfied with the pace of vaccinations in the state. So within the next few weeks, the administration will be pressing providers to start distributing 90 percent of their stock within seven days of delivery. And he acknowledged meeting that goal will require some flexibility, meaning at times members of lower priority groups may skip ahead of those considered higher priority.
"It's not going to be perfect, but that is the way we pick up our pace in vaccinations and protect more of our people," Beshear explained.
Monday, the state unveiled the full priority list, ranging from the current group 1A -- that's healthcare workers along with long-term care residents and staff -- through phase 3 -- anyone over 16. Below is the full list.
- Phase 1a: Long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, health care personnel
- Phase 1b: First responders, Kentuckians age 70 and above, K-12 school personnel
- Phase 1c: Kentuckians age 60 and above, anyone older than 16 with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highest-risk conditions for COVID-19, all essential workers
- Phase 2: Anyone 40 or older
- Phase 3: Anyone 16 or older
- Phase 4: Children under the age of 16 if the vaccine is approved for this age group (estimated to comprise 18% of Kentucky’s population)
To view the CDC’s highest-risk conditions for COVID-19, click here. To view essential workers, defined for these vaccination phases, click here.
