CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) shifted its focus to receiving and delivering the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine across the Mountain State.
As a part of the state’s plan, more than 100 Guard members provided support at five hub sites with ultra-cold storage to receive, break down, repack and deliver all 16,575 vaccine doses to hospitals, long-term care and assisted living facilities, pharmacies and local health departments.
Using 16 pharmacies in Week 1, through the assistance of the WVNG and multiple state agencies, the state of West Virginia vaccinated approximately 5,450 individuals in 42 facilities.
About 2,795 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered to staff members at long-term care and assisted living facilities, with another 2,650 doses given to residents. By Dec. 19, more than 8,000 doses were administered at more than 50 facilities.
While some Guard members managed receipt and delivery of the vaccine, more than 429 other Soldiers and Airmen supported the state's fight against the coronavirus in other missions.
In the first 280 days of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WVNG has completed 3,498 missions ranging from testing people for the virus, producing and distributing personal protective equipment, sanitizing facilities and supporting local health departments.
“I could not be more proud of the work that our Guard folks have accomplished this week in this vitally important mission to protect and save lives in West Virginia,” said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the adjutant general of the WVNG. “They and their families should also be proud of all the hard work they have put in because it will be the turning point for our state, and their sacrifices do not go unnoticed, especially during this holiday season.”
This week, members of the Guard are preparing to receive additional vaccine allocations from Pfizer as well as Moderna.