FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Andy Beshear released data Monday that show inequities in Kentucky's vaccine distribution so far.
Just 4.3% of vaccines have gone to African Americans, according to data shared at Gov. Beshear's COVID-19 briefing. That number should be closer to 8 percent based on population, the governor said.
"That's not acceptable," Gov. Beshear said.
Outreach programs have already begun to address vaccine hesitancy, he said, but more needs to be done.
Last week, faith leaders were invited to the Kentucky Capitol to receive the vaccine and encourage others to do the same.
"This is about being intentional," Gov. Beshear said, "About making sure that equity is a driving force."
Gov. Beshear added that larger societal issues also need to be addressed, like the under-representation of minorities in certain fields of work. The first professions to receive the vaccine have been healthcare workers, first responders and school staff.
"We've got to admit that 1A and 1B and the way that they were set up shows us a larger problem that we have to work on if we want to have that world that I think we're all...I hope we're all committed to building," Gov. Beshear said.
