West Virginia health officials explain difficulties in tracking second COVID-19 booster shot demand

West Virginia COVID-19 czar Dr. Clay Marsh noted, however, that nationwide reports indicate there is a call for the second booster.

“Nationally, we are seeing a demand for the second booster in age groups that are involved and have been delineated by the FDA and CDC, which is people over 50 years who are four months from their last shot or people who are immunocompromised at 12 years or older who are four months after their last shot,” Marsh said. “The tracking of that dose has been challenging, but hopefully we’ll have more information for people soon.”

Hoyer said the state is also looking at ways to bolster surveillance testing, especially now that home tests have become more popular.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources reported there were 326 active COVID-19 cases statewide as of Wednesday morning.

There were three deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 6,777 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 72-year old male from Preston County, a 61-year old male from Wood County, and a 72-year old female from Berkeley County.

“Each loss is a heartbreak to a family and to our state,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet secretary. “I urge you to get vaccinated or boosted to help save the lives of your family, neighbors and friends.”

Delays may be experienced with the reporting of information from the local health department to DHHR. As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. Please visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov for more detailed information.

West Virginians ages 5 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination; after the primary series, first booster shots are recommended for those 12 and older. Second booster shots for those age 50 and over that are 4 months or greater from their first booster have been authorized by FDA and recommended by CDC, as well as for younger individuals over 12 years old with serious and chronic health conditions that lead to being considered moderately to severely immunocompromised. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, or to find a vaccine site near you, visit vaccinate.wv.gov or call 1-833-734-0965.