McConnell visits UK’s vaccine clinic, urges getting your dose

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Senator Mitch McConnell toured the University of Kentucky’s vaccination clinic Monday. He again pushed the message that all Kentuckians should get their dose as soon as they’re eligible.

“So what’s the final challenge? That’s why we’re here today – to get the shots in the arms,” McConnell said.

He also, once again, appealed to Republican men – a group said to be reluctant to take their dose.

“I’m a Republican man and I want to say to everyone: we need to take this vaccine,” McConnell said.

Dr. Mark Newman, executive vice president for UK Health Affairs, said after months of seeing COVID patients suffer, he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“We are in a race with the virus and its variants,” Newman said. “It’s a race we have to win.”

Newman also reflected on a personal moment he hopes will inspire others to get vaccinated.

“As I was able to take my 99-year-old mother for Easter services yesterday, it’s particularly personal and important to me,” Newman said.

Dr. Ashley Montgomery-Yates was instrumental in setting up UK’s vaccine clinic.

“I tell my children every day that the vaccine center has been a breath of fresh air for me because it really is a testimony to the human spirit and what we really can accomplish if we just break down the barriers and get it done,” Montgomery-Yates said.

As an ICU physician, she’s seen the worst of the pandemic and she’s excited for what the future may soon bring.

“People say all the time, ‘I’m a doer,’ and it was just incredible for me to get to participate in this team effort and help the people of Kentucky,” Montgomery-Yates said.

President Eli Capilouto said UK is set to surpass 200,000 total vaccinations this week.