West Virginia officials tout COVID vaccine for children
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CHARLESTON -- "Today, all of a sudden, all of this goodness is happening."
With the approval of booster COVID shots and children between the ages of 5 and 11 able to get the vaccine, Gov. Jim Justice shared some positive news during Wednesday's briefing.
Dr. Jessica McCauley with Cabin Creek Health Systems in Charleston was a guest on the briefing as she administered a COVID shot to 7-year-old Jacob Thomas. McCauley explained children receive one-third of the adult dose of the vaccine.
"We know their immune systems are so much better than ours," McCauley said.
Justice and the healthcare professionals who participated in the briefing encouraged parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated. McCauley shared advice on how to talk to children about the vaccine.
"As a parent and child health physician, I see a lot of kids. I don't really like to bring kids in and throw it on them. I like to have that conversation," she said.
McCauley explained to children that adults got the vaccine first and that it is necessary to help get rid of COVID along with being able to "get to go to Disney World again."
After Thomas received the shot, Justice praised his decision and brought Babydog on camera.
"I'm really proud of you," Justice said to Thomas. "I'm really tickled for that young man. We really feel like he's getting a level of protection from future side effects."
COVID czar Dr. Clay Marsh said COVID can be spread among children just like with adults but children tend to not show symptoms. He said no complications have been reported among children who have been vaccinated.
"We hope all parents will take an opportunity and advantage to protect your child in this age group," he said.
Another Do It For Babydog vaccine lottery is coming which will cater toward children and Justice said he will likely announce the contest during next Monday's briefing.
"We do have the dollars and (we are) finding some way (for it) to be directed even more at the kids and (to) let the kids see us out there more. We're really close to having that put together," Justice said.
With children now eligible for the vaccine, Justice said local boards of education will continue to make the decision whether to require masks for students.
"They know what's best in their counties. I really don't think we really need to continue down the path of having a mask mandate with the schools," he said. "There could be an opportunity to revisit and look at mask requirements for our kids (but) I'll support the local people's decision."
Justice and Marsh encouraged people to get their flu shot along with the COVID vaccine and booster. Marsh said because of the mask and safety protocols last year, 2020 was a mild flu season but with restrictions lessened, it could be a bad flu season this year.
"We are very worried about a more problematic flu season. Getting the flu vaccine is very important," he said.
The flu shot does not elevate protection from COVID nor does it interfere, Marsh said, and people can get the flu shot at the same time as the COVID vaccine.
"If you were to not get your flu shot and you were to get dragged down with the flu, what are the odds of getting COVID and the Delta variant? You'd be in a world of trouble. (You had) better stay strong and stay away from getting sick. By having the flu, you're weakened," Justice said.
When discussing booster shots, Marsh referenced an Israeli study which showed significant decreases in deaths, hospitalizations and ventilations among people who received the booster shot.
"It really does emphasize the opportunity we have in our population," Marsh said.
People are able to choose whichever booster they want but Marsh said it is recommended to stick with the same company as the first two shots. With the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, he said it's best to receive an mRNA shot for the booster which are available through Moderna and Pfizer.
"There should be no reason why people in West Virginia who are fully vaccinated should not be enthusiastically getting a booster shot," Marsh said.
During Wednesday's briefing, Justice reported 5,603 West Virginians got their vaccines since Monday's update which brought the overall state number to 67.5 percent.
"We keep moving and inching up," he said.
Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.