Commonwealth Policy Center

The good news is that the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine is underway and it’s been done in record time. This means that the most vulnerable will have an opportunity to protect themselves against the deadly virus. Yet some Kentuckians are afraid that a state mandate might require every Kentuckian to get vaccinated. Currently, state law says the Health Department has the authority to “require the immunization of all persons within the area of an epidemic.” There are no such plans to force immunizations on all but a bill is being proposed to ensure that each citizen can make that decision for themselves with their doctor’s advice. This bill does not discourage the vaccine but reminds us that there are limits to what the state can force Kentuckians to do.