FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Marion County Health Officer Lloyd White is among the health officials concerned about a decline in coronavirus vaccine demand.
According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources, more than 23,000 vaccine doses have been administered countywide. Marion County clinics are administering 30 doses a day amid efforts to make it easier to get vaccinated. White notes despite the increased availability, the public has not matched it with interest.
“Our clinics now are a lot smaller to the point that we’re looking at having open walk-in clinics at any point throughout the day to facilitate getting the vaccine much easier,” he said.
“It’s a good thing if, in fact, those who wanted the vaccine have gotten it, so hopefully we’ve reduced the barriers to obtain the vaccine. The other concern is why are we seeing less people seeking the vaccine.”
West Virginians who are 12-years-old and older may receive vaccine doses, with younger West Virginians getting the Pfizer vaccine.
“If you continue to get the vaccine — and even if you do get COVID — you have a much less chance of being hospitalized and certainly a less chance of dying,” White said. “We still want to recommend people get the vaccine so we can prevent that.”
The Marion County Health Department has a mobile unit with plans to go to various locations for clinics.