By now, most Kentuckians know COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Most have received at least one booster shot. And many have been infected – and recovered. Whatever the reason, the number of shots administered has slowed to a trickle, and that’s a concern to people like Erin Crace, the nurse administrator for the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department.
“I would say in the last month, we've probably only given just a handful of shots. And that's probably being generous. Our clinic does offer shots on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
The Ashland-Boyd County Health Department also offers same-day appointments and Crace says some people prefer to get their COVID shots then. She said COVID fatigue is likely a factor in the much-reduced rate of vaccinations and booster shots.
“You know, people do feel like they've either had their vaccine and they had the booster or they didn't get the booster but they got that primary series or they have you know, immunity from the actual infection itself. So I think that plays a part.”
Doctors say people who’ve had COVID-19 do, on average, have a higher level of protection than those who haven’t. The same is true for those who’ve received boosters. However, with the virus constantly mutating, they also say it’s smart to stay up to date with boosters. Crace said the next round will be released next month.
“In mid to late September, they are coming out with a new COVID shot. It's the X BB dot 1.5. It's the Omicron sub variant. And so it's just going to have that one strain in it.”
According to the CDC, the Omicron sub variant is the most prevalent. Health officials say those at high risk of serious illness or worse from COVID who haven’t received the latest booster may want to ask their doctor if they should wait until next month – or get one now.
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