Vaccine eligibility expanded in West Virginia

File image.


CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A list of COVID vaccine-eligible pre-existing conditions has been expanded in West Virginia.

As a result, vaccinations are now available to all West Virginians age 16 and older with any of the following pre-existing medical conditions: Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Heart disease, Immunosuppression, Lung fibrosis, Blood disorders, Liver disease, COPD, Neurological disorder, High Blood Pressure, and Chronic infectious disease like HIV.

These are in addition to the pre-existing conditions or situations Gov. Justice previously announced as vaccine-eligible: Down syndrome, Intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caretakers, Caretakers of those with congenital or acquired disease, Organ or bone marrow transplant, Obesity (BMI > 35), Sickle cell anemia, Cystic fibrosis, and Pregnancy.

Dr. Clay Marsh, state coronavirus czar said the move to expand vaccinations to all essential workers regardless of age is an important step.