Governor Beshear says Kentucky has seen its first confirmed Omicron variant. The governor said previously he believed the easily transmitted variant was already in the Commonwealth.
The central Kentucky community of Lexington reached the 70% vaccination rate earlier this fall. Fayette Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall said there are unvaccinated individuals coming to work in the Lexington area. Plus reducing the spread of the variant Omicron is another reason to get a shot. “Too many people say well you can still get COVID 19 and get vaccinated, what’s the point? The point is stopping the spread. The point is stopping the mutations. The point is protecting as many people as possible,” said Hall.
Hall noted the health department clinic was busy the last week with coronavirus vaccinations.
Representatives at the Fayette County Health Department have seen a marked increase in flu cases over the last couple of weeks. Hall said the count was 18 on December 8th. One week later it came in at 35. And Hall added flu so far is being seen in many mid to late 20-year-olds. “Those are people who usually are less likely to get vaccinated. So many people that get vaccinated are older senior adults because they are at high risk of this. We need the younger population to know, ‘just because you are in college doesn’t mean you can’t get the flu and what we’re seeing is you are more likely right now in Lexington to get it,” explained Hall.
In addition to flu shots, Hall said there’s an ongoing effort to vaccinate more people against coronavirus. The health department official noted no one should feel shame about waiting to get vaccinated. Hall added each shot is celebrated as a way to turn the tide on COVID-19.