Justice announces availability of Moderna, J&J booster shots; bill requiring exemptions to workplace mandates passes

Community Bulletin

When a burst pipe, leaking roof or major storm hits a home, Foster's Marketing Group offers emergency repairs 24/7 — water mitigation, pipe and roof repair, drywall, and insurance assistance — from a Buckhannon company licensed and insured in West Virginia. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

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.

My Buckhannon

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.”

Local Businesses

My Buckhannon
Crites Electrical

Recent Stories

Deborah Kay Strader

Deborah Kay Strader, 73, of French Creek’s Carter Community, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2026. A devoted Christian, educator, wife, mother, and grandmother, she was known for her kindness and generosity.

Obituary Deborah Kay Strader

Joan Maria Doris

Joan Maria Doris, MSW, DSW, of Ithaca, passed away on September 14, 2026, after a short illness. A devoted social worker and family therapist, she loved Appalachia, kayaking, hiking, fiber crafts, and baking.

Obituary Joan Maria Doris

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County’s Sept. 21-27 sports calendar features football, soccer, golf, volleyball, cross country, swimming and tennis. Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan teams compete throughout the week, with no events Sunday.