CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice is urging residents 65 and older in six counties to pre-register for COVID-19 vaccinations on the Everbridge system at vaccinate.wv.gov.
Justice said during his Friday media briefing at the state capitol that pre-registrations are low from older residents in Gilmer, Calhoun, Clay, Grant, Braxton and Monroe counties.
“These counties are running behind our other counties and we absolutely need to get them registered,” Justice said.
State Inter-Agency Task Force Director Jim Hoyer said Friday pre-registration remain on a steady pace otherwise. Hoyer said it’s possible there could be 500,000 state residents registered by early March.
Justice also announced Friday the Cabell-Huntington Health Department and several partners have established a vaccination at the former Sears building at the Huntington Mall.
“This is a great example of how we work together with our community partners,” Justice said. “Of course, I spent a lot of time at Marshall, so I’ve got many, many ties to the area, and I could not be more proud of what’s going on there. It’s good stuff. Way to go everyone.”
He said once the vaccine supplies allow it the vaccine site will be able to administer up to 3,000 shots a day.
Cabell-Huntington Health Department Physician Director Dr. Michael Kilkenny said they reached out to the governor’s office for the necessary help in establishing the center.
“We are really excited to be here in the old Sears building, set up and ready to start vaccinating next week,” Kilkenny said.
WVU Medicine, Mon Health and the Monongalia County Health Department have a similar center established at the Morgantown Mall.
Justice also showed a video at Friday’s briefing praising the vaccination work of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and its partners.
Justice said the county has already administered more than 20,000 doses. Another large clinic is scheduled for Saturday at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.