PETERSBURG, WV (Hinton News) – Gov. Jim Justice hosted a celebration at Petersburg Senior Center, presenting a $100,000 check to the grand prize winners in the Senior Center Edition of the Do it for Babydog vaccination sweepstakes.
The Governor brought along his pet English Bulldog and sweepstakes mascot Babydog for the festivities.
“You’ve led the way for all of us and I’m so thankful for the wisdom you’ve provided during these tough times,” Gov. Justice said. “We celebrate the wisdom you pass down to each and every one of us. Keep doing it.”
As part of the Governor’s push to encourage West Virginians ages 50 and older to get their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a series of booster shot clinics were organized at senior centers across the state.
“The vaccine is our only protection against this deadly virus. Right now, it’s our only weapon to fight this thing, and you all made sure to protect yourselves as much as possible,” Gov. Justice said.
Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition offered a $100,000 grand prize and a visit from Gov. Justice and Babydog to four senior centers across the state that best took advantage of the clinics to get the highest rate of their county’s seniors boosted.
“You guys did an amazing job taking care of yourselves and loved ones,” Gov. Justice said. “You ought to be really proud of yourselves.”
Officials with the Grant County Commission on Aging Family Services, which operates Petersburg Senior Center, were also on hand for the celebration.
The promotion also offered an individual incentive to encourage participation. All seniors who got their booster shot and registered for the Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition sweepstakes received a $50 prepaid Visa gift card.
Gov. Justice and Babydog previously hosted similar celebrations at Hamlin Senior Center in Lincoln County, Lindside Senior Center in Monroe County, and Senior Monghalians in Monongalia County where checks were presented to the winners in the Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition sweepstakes.
“There’s been a lot of terrible stuff going on these last few years, but every time I looked at this little bulldog, she just put a big smile on my face,” Gov. Justice said. “She makes you smile, too. She just loves everyone.”
All West Virginians six months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. After the primary series, first booster shots are recommended for those ages five and older.
Omicron booster shots are recommended for all West Virginians ages 12 and over who are also at least two months removed from their original vaccine series or first booster dose.
All West Virginians who qualify can get the Omicron booster dose anywhere vaccines are available.
The state’s free COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator – the only tool of its kind in the nation – has been updated to determine whether people are eligible for a second booster dose.
