The Federal Emergency Management Agency is closing its two COVID-19 vaccination centers in Kentucky on Thursday, June 10.
In April, FEMA opened military-run vaccination clinics in Henderson and Laurel counties, both rural areas with lower vaccination rates at the time.
The clinic at the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Agency was capable of giving 250 doses of the vaccine per day, but averaged about 40 injections daily. Henderson Mayor Steve Austin said the clinic was a bit out of the way and may have posed a transportation challenge for some residents.
“Honestly, the walk-in clinic didn’t draw the number of people we hoped it would," Austin told WKU Public Radio. However, the satellite vans they sent out to different areas did very well.”
Austin said the vaccine will continue to be offered at the Henderson County Health Department, as well as Deaconess Hospital, and at some local pharmacies.
The vaccination centers in western and southeastern Kentucky are closing ahead of a major a turning point in the pandemic. On Friday, Governor Andy Beshear will lift Kentucky’s mask mandate and all capacity restrictions at restaurants and other venues.
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