Gov. Glenn Youngkin is encouraging Virginians who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 to consider getting their shots. In a release issued Monday, Youngkin said that while there will be no mandates regarding vaccines, he hopes to convince residents that the vaccines are safe and effective. “I am a believer in the science behind these vaccines,” said Youngkin. “My family and I have been vaccinated and boosted. We have done so out of concern, not just for our health, but for that of our friends, vulnerable members of our community, and the greater society.” With a vaccination rate of 72 percent, Virginia has one of the higher vaccination rates in the country, but many Virginians are still unvaccinated, said Youngkin. He said the Virginia Department of Health under his administration has redoubled its efforts to vaccinate residents, and that local health districts that know their communities will be responsible for developing new vaccination campaigns. “We want each person to be equi...