February 16, 2021

Manchin Announces Two West Virginia Health Center Systems To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Soon, State Receiving Another Weekly Dose Increase

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that two West Virginia health center systems, Valley Health Systems and Shenandoah Valley Medical System, will soon be receiving direct COVID-19 vaccine dose shipments through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Vaccination Program. COVID-19 vaccines provided to community health centers under this program are separate from the state’s weekly allocation, and will increase the overall vaccine supply in the state. Senator Manchin also received notification that West Virginia will receive a 7,000 dose increase in the Pfizer vaccine weekly allocation, the 4th weekly allocation increase in a row for the state.

“Today I received notification that two West Virginia health center systems will soon be receiving direct shipments of COVID-19 vaccine doses to administer to West Virginians. West Virginia continues to lead the nation in vaccination efforts and our health centers have been integral to the distribution program. The HRSA COVID-19 Vaccination Program is aimed at ensuring equitable vaccine distribution across the state and our health centers, who serve roughly 27 percent of West Virginians, are well equipped to do just that. Vaccines are essential to defeating this horrible virus and I am incredibly pleased that our health centers have been chosen to receive doses directly. I am also pleased West Virginia will be receiving another weekly vaccine allocation increase from Pfizer, increasing the state’s ability to vaccinate more West Virginians. As vaccine production continues to increase, I will continue to work with the Biden Administration to quickly procure enough doses for every West Virginian who wants to be vaccinated,” said Senator Manchin.

“We are thankful for the Biden administration understanding the valuable role community health centers play in the COVID-19 pandemic response,” said Sherri Ferrell, CEO of the WVPCA. “This allocation will help serve our most vulnerable residents and improve health equity in vaccine distribution.”

The West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) represents the state’s 32 community health centers, which constitute the largest independent primary care network in the state. Community health centers provide primary care, and many offer specialty care, such as dental, behavioral health and school-based health services, and fill prescriptions at affiliated pharmacies.

On January 21st, Senator Manchin spoke with General Gus Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed on COVID-19 vaccine procurement and distribution about the need for additional vaccines in West Virginia. He received assurances that the Biden Administration is ramping up manufacturing and expects to see an increase in distribution to every state in early February. 

On January 24th, Senator Manchin spoke with members of the National Economic Council and stressed that the number one priority must be quickly producing and efficiently distributing the vaccine throughout the country.

On January 26th, Senator Manchin applauded the Biden Administration announcement that they would increase the weekly vaccination supply and increase transparency by giving three week forecast of vaccine supplies.

On February 2nd, Senator Manchin received notification that West Virginia would see an increase in the weekly Moderna vaccine allocation.

On February 9th, Senator Manchin received notification that West Virginia would see another increase in the weekly vaccine allocation.