SALT LAKE CITY – All Utahns will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine next Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday.
“We always want to keep demand above availability,” Cox said during his monthly news conference.
Obtaining vaccines to all eligible Utahs
Cox acknowledged that opening the vaccine eligibility to all Utahns will not come without a few hiccups.
“We are also concerned about the share of equity, hard-to-reach populations in rural areas in the border areas of our state and some of our multicultural communities where we have seen less absorption and obtaining these doses,” he explained. Cox.
“The way to do this is when we go to those places and we want to be able to vaccinate everyone. This is the best way to do this, this is the best way to increase the equitable distribution of vaccines across the state. ”
Cox said that because of this, state and local health departments have requested the opening date of eligibility for each adult Utahn earlier than the previous April date.
“We spent the evening in discussions with our vaccination partners and we collectively decided that starting next Wednesday we will authorize vaccinations for every adult in the state.”
On March 24, Utahns who are 16 years of age and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
You can search for doses by your favorite supplier at https://t.co/TxbPbUEFLe. You can also search for the type of vaccine and for the doses near you at https://t.co/FWel6uM8kZ. pic.twitter.com/hho6nTXDEt
– Spencer J. Cox, Governor of Utah (@GovCox) March 18, 2021
Governor Cox will join KSL NewsRadio and answer your LIVE questions this afternoon. Tap here for more.
Cox reiterated that this does not mean there will be enough vaccines for everyone in the state next week. He said it could take weeks for residents to get a scheduled time.
If you are over 50 or have a basic co-morbidity, continue to schedule your vaccines. If you are under 50, please do not schedule these vaccination slots until next Wednesday, ”said Cox.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus similar to the common cold and flu. So to prevent the spread:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- He’s wearing a mask.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who coughs or sneezes (in this case, at least 6 feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay home instead of going to movies, sporting events, or other activities.)
- Get yourself a flu shot.
- Get vaccinated.
Local resources
Questions and Answers KSL Coronavirus
Utah coronavirus information
Utah State Board of Education
Utah Hospital Association
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions, World Health Organization
Cases in the United States