FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — According to Gov. Andy Beshear, the biggest challenge Kentucky faces as it continues its vaccine rollout is supply.
Last week the commonwealth administered 83,212 vaccine doses but is set to receive just 56,175 doses next week. He's asked Operation Warp Speed, the federal partnership overseeing vaccine distribution, to double Kentucky's allotment of vaccines, he said.
"Right now and moving into the future we're going to be sitting around with entire days where we've already run out of vaccine, waiting to get more from the federal government," Gov. Beshear said.
During his briefing on Tuesday, Go. Beshear said he is also looking into purchasing vaccine doses directly from manufacturers.
"We're going to look at every option," he said.
Vaccinations in Kentucky have continued into Phase 1b, where K-12 school personnel can receive the shots. The goal is still to have all school personnel vaccinated by early February, said Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky Department of Public Health Commissioner.
But the governor said he understands there are many who are anxiously awaiting the vaccine.
"I promise you we are moving as fast as we can given the amount we receive from the federal government," he said.
The governor said it's unclear how long it could take to get a response to his request for more vaccine doses but Kentucky's vaccine supply could also increase if more vaccines are approved or if production is ramped up.
