On Tuesday, six Fayette County public high schools vaccinated students, their families and staff. Nearly 1,000 people signed up for the one-day COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
People were inoculated with the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Lexington’s vaccine task force has worked with local health care providers to vaccinate underserved communities.
Fayette County Schools Acting Superintendent Marlene Helm said one student and his family received their first shots on Tuesday at Lafayette High.
“Due to concerns about the pandemic, Aaron's grandmother has not left the Creech home in more than a year,” Helm said. “But today, along with her son and two grandsons, she came to Lafayette to receive her first dose of the COVID vaccine. ”
The second Pfizer dose will be given at all six high schools on May 18.
Doctor Luke Murray with Wild Health was at the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School vaccination clinic. He says everyone getting vaccinated should continue wearing masks, washing their hands and social distancing.
“We are offering the Pfizer vaccine today, which is 95% effective. That's what Pfizer tells you. And it's true,” Murray said. “However, that 95% number is only relevant once it has been two weeks after their second vaccine.”
Kentuckians ages 16 through 19 have the lowest vaccination rate in the state. Despite the low rate of vaccinations among the age group, proms and graduations will be held this year.
Overall, 40% of Lexington’s population has been vaccinated.
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