Virus vaccine online signup portal debuts in WV today

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia is debuting an online portal for residents to register for coronavirus vaccine appointments today at 8 a.m.

Gov. Jim Justice says the new system that will help streamline vaccination efforts statewide launches Monday at www.vaccinate.wv.gov. The new website comes after complaints of long wait times to book a shot.

According to the Department of Health and Human Resources, West Virginia is the first state to deploy the new system through Everbridge, a company that helps states notify residents in emergencies such as a hurricane, flood or fire.

Residents who don’t want to or can’t go online to set up appointments can still call a vaccination information line at 1-833-734-0965. They also can be signed up through their local distribution location.

Currently, all residents 65 and older and some essential workers, such as health care personnel and teachers, are eligible for shots, although the state currently does not have enough vaccine doses for all senior citizens.

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