Kentucky National Guard ramps up COVID-19 vaccinations for troops

The Kentucky National Guard began Operation Fortified Guardian over the weekend, in which a surge of service members received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Over 600 vaccines were given to Army and Air Guardsmen over the weekend. As of Monday, approximately 70 percent of the forces had received their first dose of vaccine, and 58 percent had received their second dose.

It is now mandatory for service members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Army Guardsmen must be fully vaccinated by June 30, 2022, while Air Guardsmen must be vaccinated by December 3, 2021.

Service members can request an exemption for religious, health, or administrative reasons. However, the exemption requests rest at the Department of the Army and Air Force.

According to State Surgeon Army Lt. Mark Demuth, Guard members will be screened for contraindications before receiving the vaccine.