West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and the state's coronavirus czar Dr. Clay Marsh discussed new information related to booster shots during Friday's COVID response press conference. 

 

"Both the FDA and CDC decided that for a third dose, which would be six months after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or two months after your first shot of Johnson & Johnson, that people can choose any one of the three vaccines.

 

"There is data out there that suggests a first dose of Johnson & Johnson followed by a dose of Moderna or Pfizer can really elevate antibody levels.

 

"The indications for the Moderna boost, which is new as of today is that people over 65 years old and six months out from their second dose qualify and as we have said the same with Pfizer if you are 18 and over and have a high-risk medical condition, if you live in an extended care facility or congregate setting or if you have a high-risk population, all of those groups can boosted."

 

Marsh added that those broad qualifications mean that pretty much anybody over 18 that is six months out from their final dose is eligible for a booster shot and should think strongly about getting it. 

 

"We think this is exciting and is a cornerstone of our strategy moving forward," Marsh said. 

 

Friday's briefing began by Justice offering his condolences to the families of the most recent COVID-related deaths. There have been 44 since Wednesday's press conference bringing the state's total to 4,263.

 

"All I can do is again ask for your prayers," Justice said.

 

In other DHHR updates, there have been 1,004 new cases reported during the previous 24 hours. The number of active cases is at 8,746. West Virginia's cumulative percent positive rate is at 6.08 and the daily percent positive rate is at 7.37.

 

There have been 251,997 recoveries. Hospitalizations are at 686 with 205 patients in ICUs and 116 on ventilators. 

 

Of the state's vaccine eligible population (12 and over) 66.2 percent have at least one dose. The state's fully vaccinated percentage is at 50.7.

 

"Young people are still dragging their feet," Justice said. "We need to get them vaccinated."

 

On the daily county alert map, there are 13 red counties. Harrison County has dropped to orange.

 

There are 42 outbreaks in 19 schools with 606 confirmed cases.

 

The state's long-term care facilities currently have 48 outbreaks. There is one church outbreak in Nicholas County. In the state correctional facilities there are cases among 54 inmates.

 

The governor also touched on the situation with the three counties in Maryland (Garrett, Allegheny and Washington) that have expressed interest in becoming part of West Virginia.

 

"That's 251,000 people that would like to become part of West Virginia," Justice said. "We would love it. We would welcome them with open arms."

 

Justice said next week there will be press conferences on Tuesday and Friday.

 

Video of Friday's press conference can be viewed below.