MORGANTOWN — Monongalia County Health Department will continue COVID-19 vaccine clinics Thursday, Jan. 28, at the West Virginia Army National Guard Readiness Center and provide second doses at the health department Friday and Saturday.
Beginning the week of Feb. 1, all COVID-19 vaccines will be administered at the old Sears location at the Morgantown Mall through a partnership among MCHD, Monongalia County Emergency Management, WVU Medicine, Mon Health System and Clay-Battelle Community Health Center.
“We know there is the chance for some confusion as we make this transition, so we want to take the opportunity to clarify the COVID-19 vaccine situation for the public,” said Jamie Moore, MCHD Threat Preparedness program manager.
Individuals who are expecting to hear about an appointment for their second doses are included among those targeted for information.
“We know people are anticipating an appointment for their second doses, and we want to assure everyone that those will be made soon,” Moore said. “Although people who got Pfizer vaccines are expecting to be vaccinated three weeks later and those who got Moderna, four weeks later, it can be up to six weeks. We don’t anticipate that it will be that long, however.”
Since the arrival of vaccine in mid-December through Saturday, Monongalia County Health Department anticipates having provided about 6,000 vaccines in seven weeks. This includes 1,100 doses done at the joint vaccine clinic on Monday, as well as some second doses.
Those who want to sign up for a vaccine as doses become available should go online to vaccinate.wv.gov. Anyone who has signed up for a vaccine through MCHD or through WVU Medicine does not need to sign up again.
The COVID-19 vaccine partnership was announced at a press conference Monday. WVU Medicine president and CEO Albert Wright noted that the facility will be able to handle 8,000 vaccines a day, six days a week, when the operation is fully ramped up and receiving enough doses.
“Monongalia County Health Department is extremely proud to enter into a relationship with WVU Medicine and Mon Health System,” said Dr. Lee B. Smith, MCHD executive director and county health officer, during the press conference. “This is an opportunity to pool resources to benefit our county and region and we are grateful for the hospitals’ cooperation. We hope it will be an example of what may be done for the good of all.”
Individuals who do get a vaccine should consider wearing a short-sleeved top to their appointment, as inoculation is high on the arm. Also remember that before and even after vaccination, it’s important to continue COVID-19 prevention measures, including by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands often and staying home when possible.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, check out MCHD’s web page monchd.org/testing–vaccines.html or follow MCHD on Facebook and Twitter @WVMCHD and on Instagram at #wvmchd.
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