The initial allotment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine made its way into West Virginia earlier today, Monday, December 14. In a live demonstration designed to reassure West Virginians as to its safety, Governor Jim Justice, along with members of the state’s pandemic leadership team, were among the first to be vaccinated.
“A historic day today, in our country,” Justice said during the livestream. “An unbelievable accomplishment to be able to get out a vaccine and get it out this quickly, and get it through the FDA and all the fine print approval from every way to be able to start administering these vaccines.”
Justice announced that the first vaccination in West Virginia took place earlier in the afternoon at Thomas Health in South Charleston. Dr. Kishore Challa of Thomas Health was the first person in West Virginia vaccinated.
“A great, great, great day, and a whale of an accomplishment for the state of West Virginia,” Justice said.
Among those vaccinated on Monday evening were Justice, State Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad, coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh, W.Va. DHHR Cabinet Secretary Bill Crouch and W.Va. National Guard Adjutant General Major James Hoyer.
“It (the vaccine) will make a difference,” Marsh said during the livestream. “It will save lives.”
Justice also continued to urge all residents to have themselves tested for the virus while awaiting vaccine availability, with particular emphasis on those aged 65 years and older.
Justice closed the livestream by saying, “Thank all of you, you’re the keys that turn the wheel. West Virginia, you’ve done great. Keep at it. I’m proud of you in every way. Keep doing it.”
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