MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County health officials are continuing with administering doses of the coronavirus vaccine, with county Health Officer Dr. Lee Smith sharing the rate of vaccinations has increased.
More than 750 people received doses Thursday at a clinic held at the National Guard Readiness Center. Smith said the health department received 625 doses, but health officers were able to use some vials for multiple shots.
“We always have a minimum number, but we don’t know what the maximum is,” he said. “Seven-hundred sixty-six is a high watermark for us.”
The vaccination rate has increased steadily since the first delivery of doses. The administration process has become more efficient due to support from area organizations and the West Virginia National Guard, which have established phone lines for making appointments.
“We’re more organized, so we have increased numbers of people who register folks,” Smith said. “That’s always a pinch point where things tend to slow.”
Like other parts of the state, Monongalia County is dealing with a high demand for appointments. A waiting list has been set up to fill appointment slots for ensuing events.
West Virginia health officials this week lowered the minimum age to receive the vaccine from 80 years old to 70 and announced a goal of dropping the minimum to 65 years old as early as next week.