There have long been challenges in immunization across the diverse population of Kentuckians, with minorities in Kentucky facing a unique set of barriers to immunization against COVID-19, as do residents of rural communities.  As of July 2021, in the state of Kentucky, COVID-19 immunization rate was lower than the national average, at just 43%.  Alarmingly, rural counties in Kentucky, such as Carlisle, Hickman, and Graves, all had fewer than 20% of people fully vaccinated; Ballard County had only 14% of residents fully vaccinated.  At the same time, in a study conducted by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, 29% of respondents said they did not want a COVID vaccine. However, among Kentucky adults who initially say they would probably or definitely not take the vaccine, 1 in 2 reported it was possible that they would get the vaccine once more people had taken it and more information was available.  

In an effort to address COVID vaccine hesitancy, and provide Kentuckians with research-based information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines, University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Family Health Specialist, in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service at Kentucky State University, applied for and received an Extension Foundation EXCITE grant. This project included providing virtual and in-person town hall events, print and social media campaigns, and mobile and pop-up vaccine clinics at various locations throughout Kentucky over a two-year period, through a partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.

 Over the time span of the project, University of Kentucky Extension personnel conducted 49 different outreach engagements, including 5 town hall events, 6 vaccine clinics, 2 conference presentations, many local farmer’s market and health fair booths, and a variety of social media, podcasts, and print media for distribution across the state.  Through these efforts, 46,132 individuals participated in outreach activities, 1,208 adult vaccines were given, and of those 221 were COVID-19 vaccines.    

Over the time span of the grant, Kentucky’s total COVID-19 vaccination rate rose from 43% to 58%.   While there is still a continued need for adult vaccine education across the state, and particularly in rural Kentucky counties, an essential community partner in this project reported, “[They] applaud the focus of this project to connect our rural and medically underserved communities with needed educational resources regarding adult vaccines.”  

Additionally, one vaccine clinic participant reported, “I didn’t feel comfortable getting a COVID vaccine until today, but now I’m glad I got the shot to protect myself and my family.”  

Addressing adult vaccine hesitancy with research-based information and access to vaccines continues to be a priority of Extension work through Family and Consumer Sciences Extension.  The Extension Foundation has recently bolstered this work again with additional grant funding for adult vaccine education beginning in May 2023 and continuing through the next two years.