During the first weeks of the vaccine rollout, West Virginia won gold stars from experts everywhere for its commendable
vaccination rate which nearly doubled the national rate. Programs targeting the elderly and at-risk populations were going above and beyond the call of duty. And for younger populations in the state which suffers from poverty and rampant drug use, the vaccine incentives were particularly effective.
However, as vaccines became more readily available and the gentle nudges became all-out shoves,
vaccine rates have leveled off. Currently, they stand at 46% of residents having received at least one dose and 39% being fully vaccinated.
Going back to Gov. Justice’s remarks in his
briefing, he expressed extreme concern for the latest rates of infection and COVID related deaths stating,
“Also, over the last eight weeks, health officials have seen a 26% increase in cases among fully vaccinated residents, a 21% increase, among the vaccinated, in cases requiring hospitalizations and a 25% increase in deaths among those who have gotten their shots.”