COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at six Lexington high schools today thanks to a partnership among the City, Fayette County Public Schools, and Wild Health, Mayor Linda Gorton and Acting Superintendent Marlene Helm announced.
Vaccinations are available for students age 16 and older, their families, and school staff. The clinics are expected to vaccinate about 1,000 people, according to Wild Health, which is providing the vaccines.
“I am so excited about today’s vaccine clinics for our young people,” Gorton said. “Throughout the pandemic, we have made progress through partnerships. Today is another example of that, and a very important example because it will protect our children.”
Acting Superintendent Helm said, “The past year has underscored the critical role our schools play in the health and well-being of our community. Just as Fayette County Public Schools has stepped up to support our families with access to mental health resources, health clinics, food and household supplies, we are honored to play a role in making this potentially life-saving vaccine available to our students, families and employees. The months we spent apart have given us a new appreciation for being together, and we recognize that increasing the number of fully vaccinated individuals in Lexington is a key step in a return to normalcy for us all.”
At the high school vaccine clinics, the City is also providing information to students regarding summer employment opportunities. These include positions with the City, and through a partnership with Commerce Lexington, positions with Lexington businesses.
“Many businesses are looking for employees, and this is the perfect opportunity to let youth know of opportunities for the summer,” said Gorton. “The City needs to hire more lifeguards, as well as other positions for the summer. We look forward to these clinics bringing new opportunities for our community’s youth.”
Today the City has over 129,000 residents, or 40% of the population, who are fully vaccinated. That includes 50% of the adults, and 76% of those 65 and older.
“The only way we can reach herd immunity is by partnering and working together,” Gorton said. “The Mayor’s Vaccine Task Force, and our community partners, like Fayette County Public Schools, have worked so hard the past few months to get as many individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible. Thank you to everyone’s commitment to protecting our community.”
The clinics are taking place for three hours at each high school: Bryan Station, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Lafayette, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Tates Creek. Communications about vaccine appointments were sent directly to students, staff, and family through Fayette County Public School text alerts, phone calls, and emails.
VACCINATION LOCATIONS
There are nearly 50 vaccination locations in Lexington. Vaccinations are currently available through Horse Park Kentucky Regional Vaccination Center, UK HealthCare at Kroger Field, Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Baptist Health Lexington, Lexington Public Library Village Branch, Walgreens, Kroger, Lexington VA Health Care System, and more.
Vaccinations are available to those ages 16 and older. United States scientific studies show the vaccine to be safe and very effective, with approved vaccines having gone through the same vaccine safety system as other vaccines produced over the years.
For information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit lexingtonky.gov/vaccines.
