West Virginia leads nation in giving COVID-19 vaccines
Experts said a major reason is the state's decision not to follow the federal government's guidance for vaccine distribution.
Experts said a major reason is the state's decision not to follow the federal government's guidance for vaccine distribution.
Experts said a major reason is the state's decision not to follow the federal government's guidance for vaccine distribution.
Records show West Virginia leads the nation in the percentage of residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccination.
Experts said a major reason is the state's decision not to follow the federal government's guidance for vaccine distribution.
Most states including Pennsylvania followed the federal government's recommendation to rely on pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate the elderly. But West Virginia created its own network of 250 local pharmacies to get vaccines out faster.
"We were able to vaccinate all our nursing home residents and staff weeks ahead of other states across the country," said Todd Karpinski, chief pharmacy officer at West Virginia University.
Instead of letting hospitals distribute vaccines, West Virginia put the National Guard in charge.
"I think this is a much more equitable way to get vaccine across the state, not just to certain locations," Karpinski said.
Records show 3.6 percent of the nation has been vaccinated.
That compares with 3.3 percent in Pennsylvania and 3 percent in Ohio.
But in West Virginia, 7 percent of residents have received vaccines.
Harvard epidemiologist Dr. Michael Mina said Pennsylvania and other states should learn from West Virginia.
"We should be using grassroots efforts, big chains, whatever is fastest, whatever is going to be the most nimble," Mina said. "I think we have overthought too many aspects of this to our own peril and we can't overthink this, we just have to do it."