(LFUCG)–After hearing reports from representatives of healthcare agencies and the Health Department Wednesday, Mayor Linda Gorton reported there has been widespread progress in “getting vaccines into arms.”

Approximately 20,000 people in Lexington have been vaccinated, and the Health Department plans to vaccinate another 2,000 healthcare workers today. Most of those who have received vaccines are healthcare workers, first responders or senior citizens who live in long-term care. The state and the CDC put those groups at the front of the line to get the vaccine.

“Lexington has an out-sized healthcare community because we serve the needs of the eastern half of the state,” Gorton said. “As a result, it is taking a little time for us to work through vaccination of our healthcare community. But we have made real progress, and some of our vaccine outlets have moved on to those who are next in line. We know there are a lot of uncertainties in this process, and we must be flexible.”

Gorton asked citizens for patience. “We will adjust here in Lexington, as needed, and we will be transparent, so our citizens know what we know,” she said. “I can only ask everyone to be patient until it is your turn. We will make sure everyone who wants a vaccine, will get one.”

The federal government controls how much vaccine Lexington gets, and when it arrives here. “It’s our job to administer it as soon as possible,” Gorton said. “We work together … our hospitals, Health Department, pharmacies, and others … to make sure no vaccine is wasted.”

Gorton predicted there will be a rapid increase in the local vaccination numbers in the next few weeks.

Gorton, who is a registered nurse, said she has been contacted by several retired nurses and pharmacists asking if volunteers are needed to administer vaccines. “That’s the kind of spirit that makes our city great,” Gorton said. “Yes, we will need help. People to help administer vaccines and people to help the program run smoothly.”

People with training in healthcare can join the Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps at https://lexingtonmrc.wordpress.com/join-the-lexington-mrc/ to help administer the vaccines.