CHARLESTON — During Friday’s briefing, Gov. Jim Justice reported that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has recommended booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to certain individuals.

The Governor announced that pandemic response teams are ready to get more booster shots in the arms of eligible West Virginians.

“We just want to keep getting everybody vaccinated that we can possibly get,” Gov. Justice said.

The Governor announced that pandemic response teams are ready to get more booster shots in the arms of eligible West Virginians.

“We just want to keep getting everybody vaccinated that we can possibly get,” Gov. Justice said.

The CDC recommended the Moderna booster for elderly people and at-risk adults six months after they complete their primary series of shots, bringing it in line with the distribution plan for the Pfizer booster.

The CDC also endorsed J&J boosters for everyone age 18 and older who received the initial shot at least two months ago.

If you are eligible for a booster shot, you can go to any location offering COVID-19 vaccines with your vaccination card to receive the booster. If your card has been lost, you can request a new one from the DHHR. Find a vaccine near you.

BILL REQUIRING EXEMPTIONS FROM VACCINE MANDATES IN THE WORKPLACE PASSES

Also on Friday, Gov. Justice discussed the passage of the bill that he originally proposed, clarifying that any government or private business that wishes to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine must also allow exemptions to that mandate for medical or religious reasons.

The bill still allows businesses to mandate COVID-19 vaccines, so long as the appropriate exemptions are available.

“The bill passed. However, it was amended to say that it does not go into effect until January 2022,” Gov. Justice said. “I hope that our employers will take heed. I know they’re trying to stop this dreaded disease. They’re trying to do what’s right. But sometimes, in trying to look at the big picture, we don’t look hard enough at the smaller picture, and the smaller picture is really big to folks that could lose their jobs and have strong beliefs. I just ask that you respect them and try to work with them.”