West Virginia governor enlists his pet, Babydog, to help with vaccinations

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) has a new partner in his fight to get his state vaccinated against COVID-19: his bulldog, Babydog.

“If you won’t do it for your family, you’ve got to get vaccinated for Babydog,” Justice said during a Friday press conference shared to Twitter. “That’s all there is to it.”

ICYMI: West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has made his dog “babydog” the mascot of the state’s new vaccine lottery.

“She wants you vaccinated SO badly” pic.twitter.com/rTdtO7amb1

— Haleigh Hoffman (@HaleighHoffman) May 28, 2021

Justice said he brought the pup to make people smile as he promotes the necessity of immunization in combating the coronavirus.

“Without any questions she’ll give you a high-five,” he said, while holding the bulldog’s paw up in the air as the camera zooms in on her.

“She wants you vaccinated so badly, and she’s going to absolutely be the one to lead us through all these incentives,” he said.

West Virginia is one of many states that has recently launched COVID-19 vaccine incentives. Young adults aged 16-35 are eligible to receive a savings bond or $100 gift card through the state government when they are immunized. 

West Virginians between the ages of 16-35 who have received their #COVID19 vaccination are eligible for a $100 gift card or savings bond.

Register for the vaccination incentive program here https://t.co/1cbm1utcd3 pic.twitter.com/odq9kENgBO

— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) May 27, 2021

California on Thursday became the latest state to offer financial prizes to combat vaccine hesitancy. Among the offerings are 10 chances to win a $1.5 million cash lottery prize.