MORGANTOWN, WV (WVDN) – Gov. Jim Justice hosted a celebration at Senior Monongalians, presenting a $100,000 check to Monongalia County seniors as grand prize winners in the Senior Center Edition of the Do it for Babydog vaccination sweepstakes.
The Governor brought along his pet English Bulldog and sweepstakes mascot Babydog for the festivities.
“Thank you all so much in every way,” Gov. Justice said. “You’ve pulled the rope for all of us. We celebrate the wisdom you pass down to each and everyone of us. Keep doing it.”
As part of the Governor’s push to encourage West Virginians ages 50 and older to get their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a series of booster shot clinics were organized at senior centers across the state.
Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition offered a $100,000 grand prize and a visit from Gov. Justice and Babydog to four senior centers across the state that best took advantage of the clinics to get the highest rate of their county’s seniors boosted.
“Through the past couple of years it’s been tough stuff,” Gov. Justice. “This pandemic has been as tough as it gets. Like it or not, but who it attacked were people like you. This thing has had a bullseye on you. Thank you for doing what you needed to do to stay healthy.”
Officials with Senior Monongalians were also on hand for the celebration.
The promotion also offered an individual incentive to encourage participation. All seniors who got their booster shot and registered for the Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition sweepstakes received a $50 prepaid Visa gift card.
Gov. Justice and Babydog previously hosted similar celebrations at Hamlin Senior Center in Lincoln County, Lindside Senior Center in Monroe County, where checks were presented to the winners in the Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition sweepstakes.
The final winning county will be announced soon.
“Our ammo was the vaccine,” Gov. Justice said. “It was the only arrow we had to shoot and we did. This pandemic has targeted our elderly – our wisdom – and unfortunately, this thing isn’t over. But it’s something we can live with if we’re properly vaccinated.”
All West Virginians 6 months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. After the primary series, first booster shots are recommended for those ages 5 and older. Check the CDC website for the latest information.
Omicron booster shots are recommended for all West Virginians ages 12 and over who are also at least two months removed from their original vaccine series or first booster dose.
All West Virginians who qualify can get the Omicron booster dose anywhere vaccines are available.
The state’s free COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator – the only tool of its kind in the nation – has been updated to determine whether people are eligible for a second booster dose.
