More West Virginians Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
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CHARLESTON -- The state of West Virginia once again has expanded the field of residents eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Gov. Jim Justice announced Monday that more West Virginians with pre-existing medical conditions and all essential workers regardless of age will be eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. Justice said all residents over the age of 16 will be able to get the vaccine with certain medical conditions.
Those include diabetes, people with a body mass index greater than 35, Down's syndrome, sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, immunosuppression, neurological disorders, chronic kidney disease, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, chronic infectious diseases like HIV, cystic fibrosis, pregnancy, asthma, heart disease, lung fibrosis, heart disorders, COPD, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caretakers, and caretakers of those with congenital or acquired disease.
Justice also announced all essential workers of all ages will be vaccinated.
"We still encourage all West Virginians to pre-register through our system," Justice said. "But if you can't and you're having trouble and everything is getting worse, just call us and we'll make it all become a reality."
The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those ages 16 and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those ages 18 and older.
"(W)e will extend eligibility to all essential workers irrespective of age, given their frontline status, said Dr. Clay Marsh, the state's coronavirus response coordinator, "and help make sure that we keep our businesses, hospitals and clinics open, keeping our utilities working and perform the other vital services and functions that are so important to West Virginia in schools and business.
The changes are part of Phase 2-A in the state's vaccination program, joining residents 50 or older and education sector personnel (teachers and school service personnel 40 years of age and older).
Justice encourages all West Virginians to pre-register through the system at www.vaccinate.wv.gov. He added that some counties are lagging behind in getting residents signed up to receive the vaccine -- Lincoln, Ritchie, Wood, Mercer, Upshur, McDowell, Mineral, Jefferson, Wayne, Jackson, Clay, Gilmer, Calhoun, Hampshire, Berkeley, Morgan, Mingo, and Mason.
According to Justice, the state had 20 more additional COVID-related deaths since last Friday, making the total 2,531 deaths. While Justice said that it's good seeing the number of deaths decline in the state, but also said that 20 more West Virginians lost their lives and that must be stopped.
"The number still is trending the right way, which is really good. But at the same time, it's 20 great West Virginians that we've lost," Justice said. "These families are hurting, their loved ones are hurting, and we've lost a ton more wisdom in the state of West Virginia. Your prayers for these great 20 West Virginians as well as all those in a grand total of 2,531 West Virginians are absolutely sorely needed and greatly appreciated."