Kentucky Special Populations


black woman and child bumping elbows while wearing masks

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic began, in early 2020, marginalized and vulnerable populations have been especially, adversely, impacted. NASW’s Connect to End COVID-19 initiative was launched to provide equitable training and outreach that promote informed vaccine decision-making on the part of social workers and their clients, particularly among those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and/or vaccine hesitant. NASW-KY recognizes our potential to promote vaccine confidence across the state, encourage reluctant communities to become vaccinated, and provide valuable resources for our Kentucky neighbors. We encourage you to explore our Connect to End COVID-19 resources and find ways to encourage positive community health through vaccine promotion in our communities.



Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has coordinated state guidance with the recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As CDC transitions to the new “COVID-19 Community Level” model that uses the number of new COVID-19 cases in each county, percent of hospital capacity devoted to COVID-19 patients and the number of new patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital in the past week, KDPH will be using this tool to help Kentuckians be informed of the COVID-19 impact in their communities. KDPH created the Community Level COVID-19 Guidance to align with the new community level model. This guidance provides Kentuckians with actions to take related to their local level of community burden. KDPH will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 data and provide weekly updates on the KDPH COVID-19 website. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation as we learn to live with COVID-19 and work to keep Kentuckians safe. For more information on the new tool provided by CDC, please visit the CDC website: COVID-19 by County.


Community Level COVID-19 Guidance

LOW MEDIUM HIGH
Vaccination Stay up to date with vaccinations Stay up to date with vaccinations Stay up to date with vaccinations
Mask use Mask based on individual preference, informed by individual risk
Targeted mask use in schools and other indoor settings following exposures
Consider universal mask use in indoor congregate settings
Targeted mask use in schools and other indoor settings following exposures
Wear well-fitting masks in all indoor public settings including K-12 schools
Isolation & Quarantine Stay home when sick
Follow isolation & quarantine guidance, including getting tested if exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19
Stay home when sick
Follow isolation & quarantine guidance, including getting tested if exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19
Stay home when sick
Follow isolation & quarantine guidance, including getting tested if exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19
Physical distancing Limit indoor in-person gatherings and reduce size of gatherings. Encourage physical distancing.
High risk persons Talk to healthcare provider about preventative treatments Consider wearing well-fitted mask in all indoor public settings
Talk to healthcare provider about preventative treatments
Consider avoiding non-essential indoor public activities
Talk to healthcare provider about preventative treatments

COVID-19 VACCINE AND BOOSTERS

Pfizer Moderna Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
Age Recommended 5+ years old 18+ years old 18+ years old
Primary Series 2 doses Given 3 weeks (21 days) apart. 2 doses Given 4 weeks (28 days) apart. 1 dose
Booster Dose You should get a booster dose at least 5 months after the last dose in their primary series. You should get a booster dose at least 5 months after the last dose in their primary series. You should get a booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) at least 2 months after the first dose of J&J/Janssen COVID- 19 Vaccine.
When am I "up-to-date"? 2 dose primary series less than 5 months ago OR booster 5 months after completion of primary series. 2 dose primary series less than 5 months ago OR booster 5 months after completion of primary series. 1 dose primary series less than 2 months ago OR booster 2 months after completion of primary series.
When am I "up-to-date" if I am moderately of severely immunocompromised? 2 dose series less than 28 days ago; or 1 additional dose (3rd dose to complete primary series) less than 3 months ago; or Booster (4th dose) 3 months after completion of primary 3 dose series. 2 dose series less than 28 days ago; or 1 additional dose (3rd dose to complete primary series) less than 3 months ago; or Booster (4th dose) 3 months after completion of primary 3 dose series. 1 dose primary series less than 28 days ago; 1 additional dose (2nd dose, Moderna or Pfizer) less than 2 months ago; Booster dose 2 months after second dose preferably with Moderna or Pfizer (3 total doses).
2nd Booster Dose Ages 12+ immunocompromised or Ages 50+ Ages 12+ immunocompromised or Ages 50+ 50+ or those that are immunocompromised SHOULD receive a second booster with a mRNA; 18-49 who received JJ for primary and booster MAY receive 2nd booster with mRNA

Resources

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline
    The COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725 can answer general COVID-19 and vaccine questions. Live agents are available: Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm EST. If you have an urgent medical need, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Please send an email to KYcovid19@ky.gov
    • Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC View CDC FAQs
    • Kentucky Department for Pubic Health Guidance
      Learn More
    • How to talk about COVID-19 vaccines with friends and family
      Learn More
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard & Data View the Kentucky Covid-19 Vaccine Dashboard for vaccine data and interactive map.
      View Dashboard
    • Vaccine Provider Guidance Kentucky’s guidance and resources for vaccine providers.
      Learn More
    • Have you lost or misplaced the card you were given when you received your COVID-19 vaccine?
      Learn More
  • Team Kentucky Memorial Fund
    Governor Beshear has established the Team Kentucky COVID-19 Memorial Fund to help commemorate the losses and sacrifices Kentuckians experienced during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
  • Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund
    The Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund is offering tenants help paying past due rent and utility bills. Learn more about the program and submit an application. Apply Here
  • Kentucky Health Center COVID-19 Survey Summary Report-HRSA Health Centers: Patients by Race and Ethnicity
    Learn More
  • HHCK Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky COVID19 Resources and Services
    Learn More
  • Kentucky Refugee and Immigrant Resources and Services
    Learn More
  • Kentucky Area Agency on Aging Resources
  • COVID Toolkit for Pregnant People, Babies and New Parents
    Learn More
  • COVID resources for individuals with allergies, asthma and related conditions, including vaccines for children
    Learn More
  • How To Find a Vaccine Site Via Text Message
    • (English) Text your zip code to GETVAX-438829 to receive 3 vaccine locations near you.
    • (Spanish) Text your zip code to VACUNA-822862 to receive 3 vaccine locations in your area.
  • KY Social Work Associations across Kentucky worked together to provide resources and share information about COVID19 on websites and Facebook
  • Funeral Assistance Programs
    FEMA provides financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2022 to residents of Kentucky. To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
    • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
    • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to or caused by COVID-19.
    • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
    • There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.

    Which expenses will qualify for reimbursement:
    • Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual.
    • The transfer of remains, a casket or urn.
    • A burial plot or cremation niche.
    • A marker or headstone.
    • Clergy or officiant services.
    • The arrangement of a funeral ceremony.
    • The use of funeral home equipment or staff.
    • Cremation or interment costs.
    • Costs associated with producing multiple death certificates.
  • NASW-KY is proud of the leadership of Governor Beshear throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Team Kentucky COVID-19 Information and Resources from the KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services 
    Kentcuky Coronavirus Monitorting Site
  • The COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725 can answer general COVID-19 and vaccine questions. Live agents are available: Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm EST
Connect to end COVID-19, overlapping speech bubbles, social workers support informed vaccine decision making

NASW’s national Connect to End COVID-19 campaign, a CDC-funded initiative to support social workers and their clients in informed vaccine decision-making (2021-2024).

Learn about Connect to End COVID-19


In the News



Black couple sitting across from black professional taking notes

COVID-19 Resources

Social workers support informed decision making about important healthcare choices, provide health information from credible sources, and address mental and behavioral health concerns arising as a result of this public health crisis.

Get coronavirus resources