The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports COVID numbers are moderate in the Commonwealth. Data from the CDC shows there were over 9,000 positive COVID cases in the Commonwealth in the month of September, which resulted in over 300 hospital admissions. Mandy Cohen is the Director of the CDC. Cohen said now is the time to get an updated COVID booster. Cohen added that even if someone has received a shot before, the new booster is different.
“We have updated the COVID vaccine for this fall and winter to match the changes in the virus we have seen over the course of the year. So, you want to get the updated version of the COVID shot which is now available,” Cohen said.
Officials report COVID has been seen to increase people’s chance of heart attack and stroke, especially in the elderly. Cohen said that makes the vaccine even more important.
“In January of this year, we published data showing that vaccines help protect adults 65 and older. Particularly adults on dialysis-related to strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks. So, we know that vaccines are your best defense against these viruses, and they could save your life,” said Cohen.
There are mild side effects with the booster. Officials said this is normal and means the shot is working. Cohen said though there are three different brands of the shot available and any shot is better than not getting one at all. Officials report COVID-19 vaccines are completely covered through Medicare, and funding has been made available for people without coverage.
More information about the vaccines is found at local health centers, primary care physicians, pharmacies, cdc.gov, and at aarp.org.