Tackling vaccination challenges in Kentucky: A collaborative effort to build healthier communities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2025) — It’s been nearly five years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Kentucky. Since that day, researchers at the University of Kentucky have worked tirelessly to better understand the pandemic from every standpoint.

UK had the opportunity to help offer a solution to COVID-19, serving as a site for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson’s Phase 3 clinical research study, or the ENSEMBLE trial, for adults and Moderna’s KidCOVE trial for children.

“What we saw clearly during the pandemic was the way Kentuckians stepped up to get vaccinated as a way to not only protect themselves against COVID-19, but their community as well,” said Brooke Hudspeth, Pharm.D., associate professor and director of the Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice in the UK College of Pharmacy (UKCOP). “It’s true then and now — vaccines are the bridge between fear and hope, ensuring a safer, healthier future for our Commonwealth.”

The need for innovative solutions

The pandemic also revealed significant disparities in health care access and vaccine confidence across Kentucky, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to address these gaps.

UKCOP and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) have joined forces in a groundbreaking initiative to improve vaccine education and access in underserved communities called CARE-KY — Collaborative Approach to Raising Education and Immunization in Kentucky. It’s funded by a $224,635 grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

This work aims to increase vaccine confidence and immunization rates in 10 strategically selected counties with low immunization rates and significant barriers to health care access. These counties include Pike, Pulaski, Monroe, Elliott, Christian, Adair, Knox, Mason, Morgan and Rockcastle.

Each county faces unique challenges. For example, Elliott County reports a vaccination rate of 39.72%, below Kentucky’s overall rate of 43% and significantly below the national average of 67%.

The project leverages partnerships with local UK Cooperative Extension Service offices and community pharmacies to develop targeted, community-specific strategies.

Addressing the barriers

Barriers to immunization in Kentucky include vaccine hesitancy, logistical challenges and systemic mistrust of health care systems. Rural areas, in particular, suffer from limited health care infrastructure.

“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Hudspeth. “By bringing together trusted local pharmacists and extension agents, we’re creating a model for addressing health disparities that could be replicated across the nation.”

“UK’s Cooperative Extension Service offers a community-focused approach to connect with Kentuckians and offer needed resources,” said Craig Wood, acting associate dean and director of extension at M-G CAFE. “Working locally is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to working alongside our experts in the College of Pharmacy to meet the needs of our Commonwealth.”

The initiative employs a collaborative, community-centered approach:

• Targeted education and outreach: Kickoff events in each county provide vaccine education and on-site immunization services delivered by pharmacists and student pharmacists in coordination with local extension agents.
• Resource development: Comprehensive guides connect community members with health care services while addressing barriers like transportation and scheduling.
• Lasting partnerships: Fostering sustainable collaboration between pharmacies and extension offices to improve health care access in underserved areas.

In addition to addressing immediate vaccine needs, the project is designed for long-term impact. A pharmacy-specific playbook will guide future collaborations, ensuring lessons learned are applied in other communities. Student pharmacists’ involvement not only supports current efforts but also prepares the next generation of health care professionals to address public health challenges.

In November, the initiative’s first event in Adair County highlighted its potential. The CARE-KY team partnered with a local pharmacy and the Adair County Extension Office to host an immunization clinic during the Adair County Cattleman’s Association meeting. The event attracted 130 attendees.

Beyond vaccinations, the team provided valuable education about immunization, fostering greater understanding and trust in vaccine safety and efficacy. By collaborating with trusted local entities and creating an accessible setting, the event demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based approaches in overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

A history of service and collaboration

As the Commonwealth’s land-grant institution, UK has worked to deliver education, research and outreach programs in all 120 Kentucky counties. The extension program, a cornerstone of this effort, is a vital link between UK and local communities, providing trusted support and resources.

The College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) has a long-standing commitment to improving public health through pharmacist-delivered care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, UKCOP spearheaded initiatives such as the Vaccine Reserve Corps, a network of 405 clinical and non-clinical volunteers who were crucial in vaccine delivery efforts across Kentucky.

These collaborations laid the foundation for the current project, which combines the expertise of community pharmacists and the community-based reach of extension agents.

Community pharmacies, with locations in nearly every county in Kentucky, play a critical role as accessible healthcare providers.

Pharmacists, who administer more than half of all vaccines in the U.S., are uniquely positioned to address vaccination barriers. Meanwhile, extension agents bring localized knowledge and trusted connections to their communities. Together, they form a robust network, ensuring accessible health care services in even the most rural or underserved areas.

“This collaboration represents a bold step in addressing Kentucky’s vaccination challenges,” said Hudspeth. “By focusing on trust, education and accessibility, the initiative seeks to improve immunization rates and build a healthier, more resilient Commonwealth for years to come.”