CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Numbers are down in West Virginia nursing homes for the second COVID-19 booster shot compared to the first booster.
West Virginia’s overall booster percentage is just over 50%, according to the state Department of Health and Human Resources.
West Virginia Health Care Association Chief Executive Officer Marty Wright said the response hasn’t been as significant in nursing homes his organization represents as the first booster.
“People are pretty much over COVID, they are ready to move on and I don’t think the general population has been convinced yet for a need of a second booster and this isn’t just a West Virginia issue but a national issue,” Wright said last week during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Wright said education about the benefits of a second booster is the key as it has been throughout the pandemic.
“Residents in facilities feel they don’t understand the need on why they need another booster and some of that is just additional education we need to provide,” Wright said.
Marty Wright, CEO of @WVHCA1, provides an update on getting second booster shots in arms of nursing home residents. Marty joins @HoppyKercheval. WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/JrtsKypBgR
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) June 1, 2022
Wright said another problem some nursing home residents want another booster but can’t get consent from family members.
“Individuals that don’t have consent or Medical Power of Attorney who have to give consent for the boosters or vaccines are not giving it,” Wright said.
Wright said the facilities and communities have the vaccines and boosters on site.
“They all have them available and most have them on-site now or can get them within the day. It’s not an availability issue, it’s just a willingness issue.” Wright said.
The WVHCA n is providing informational items to residents to combat the booster hesitation, Wright said.