CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia, with the help of the National Guard, set a new benchmark this past week by administering 106% of the federally allotted COVID-19 vaccine.
The state's Joint Interagency Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccines (JIATF) was able to accomplish this because the vials have additional doses in them, based on the type of syringe used for administration.
Currently, 171,325 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given to health care professionals, first responders, teachers, nursing home residents and citizens over the age of 65. More than 46,094 West Virginians are fully vaccinated.
On Jan. 25, West Virginia implemented a COVID-19 vaccine registration system through Everbridge. It is the first state to use the technology for COVID-19 vaccine registration and scheduling. The system enables West Virginians to receive updates on the vaccine's availability and be contacted to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated when supplies allow.
Anyone in the state without access to the online registration method can call a vaccine information line (1-833-734-0965) to register. The call center is active Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
As a part of Gov. Jim Justice’s Operations Save Our Wisdom, the JIATF, in coordination with community partners, established 25 vaccination clinics in 17 counties this week to serve the most vulnerable populations in West Virginia, including those 65 and older.
Beginning next week, vaccination clinics will be held in all 55 counties in the state.
In January, the West Virginia National Guard carried out 388 vaccination and COVID-19 response missions. Guard members helped build 22,700 COVID-19 test kits and delivered 60,000 ancillary kits that accompany vaccine doses.