Office of the Governor

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice stresses the importance of booster shots as cold weather approaches

12/9/2021

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CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia COVID-19 pandemic response leadership team held another news briefing today to update the public on the State’s latest pandemic response efforts.
NEED FOR BOOSTER SHOT INCREASES AS COLD WEATHER APPROACHES
During Thursday's briefing, Gov. Justice discussed how impending cold weather will increase the importance of being vaccinated and receiving a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Because cold weather often forces people to spend more time indoors, specifically during the busy holiday season, the state is likely to continue experiencing an increase in COVID-19 case numbers. This increase will place an even greater strain on hospitals and ICU units across West Virginia.

Gov. Justice referenced an announcement from Pfizer yesterday which said that lab tests showed a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increased by 25-fold people’s levels of antibodies capable of fighting off omicron variant.

"There can't be anything more important in your life right now than getting the booster shot," said Gov. Justice. "What in the world are you waiting for? Absolutely without any question you need to get your booster shot now."

Gov. Justice is urging all West Virginians, especially those over the age of 50 to get their booster shot as soon as possible.
GOV. JUSTICE PROVIDES ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT DO IT FOR BABYDOG: SENIOR CENTER EDITION; REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Also on Thursday, Gov. Justice announced that the application for the Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition is now open.
 
Register here
Individuals over the age of 50 who have been fully vaccinated and who choose to receive their booster shot after December 7th, 2021 are eligible to receive a $50 prepaid visa gift card as an additional incentive to continue protecting themselves from COVID-19.

The application is now available at the website above.

Also, four senior centers across the state with the highest overall vaccination rates will win a $100,000 grand prize through the vaccination sweepstakes and receive a visit from the Governor and Babydog.

Additional information is available on the Do It For Babydog website.
BOOSTERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL WEST VIRGINIANS
The FDA and the CDC both recommend booster doses for all Americans ages 18 and older, provided that at least six months have passed since receiving their two-dose Pfizer/Moderna vaccine series or that at least two months have passed since receiving their one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
West Virginians can go to any location offering COVID-19 vaccines with their vaccination card to receive their booster.

If your card has been lost, you can request a new one from the DHHR.
FIND A VACCINE NEAR YOU
DO IT FOR BABYDOG: ROUND 3 VACCINATION SWEEPSTAKES CONTINUES
Vaccinated West Virginians still have one more chance to win big in the Babydog sweepstakes.

Online registration to be eligible to win in the final prize drawing will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 12, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced the week of Dec. 13.

Do it for Babydog: Round 3 is open to all West Virginians ages 5-18 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Children ages 5-17 must have parental consent to be vaccinated and to register.

*Those who previously registered for Round 1 and/or Round 2 of the sweepstakes are required to register again to be eligible for Round 3*
REGISTER: DoitforBabydog.wv.gov
CASE NUMBERS & VACCINATION UPDATE
On Thursday, Gov. Justice reported that there are now 8,857 active cases of COVID-19 statewide.

The cumulative percent positivity rate stands at 6.29%.

A total of 1,077,100 West Virginians, 63.4% of the eligible population over 5 years of age, have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Booster doses have now been administered to 259,016 people, or 28.7% of West Virginians who have received two-doses of the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine series or one-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov
Gov. Justice also reported that, per the West Virginia Department of Education, there are currently 15 school outbreaks in 13 counties with 343 confirmed cases.

COVID-19 Outbreaks in State Public Schools (WVDE)
COVID-19 RESOURCES



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Contact Information

Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov

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