SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Spencer Cox announced Thursday that, “Immediately effective, Utahs 16 years of age and older, with certain comorbidities, are eligible for vaccination.”
Cox also announced that all eligible groups no longer have to make an appointment to receive a dose of vaccine in their own counties.
Information on where the vaccine is available and a list of underlying medical conditions that will become eligible for the March 1 vaccine can be found on the coronavirus website.
This announcement and the acceleration of the calendar came after Cox announced last week that the vaccine will become available for Utahns aged 65 and over.
“In just one week, we delivered a first dose of the vaccine to 29 percent of Utahns between the ages of 65 and 69, which is just incredible news,” said Cox.
Cox stressed the need for the nine eligible for their vaccine doses to ensure they meet the requirements, as set out on the state’s website.
“Please pay special attention to this piece right now. The CDC has only approved the Pfizer vaccine for people between the ages of 16 and 18, so if you are 16 or 17 and have one of those underlying health conditions, you can make an appointment for a location with the Pfizer vaccine for to shoot you. ”
Cox also asked for patience in this process, as not all vaccination sites have the Pfizer vaccine and many local pharmacies have not yet been able to update their eligibility requirements.
The honor system
“We use the honor system” we want to go beyond precision, which means that people may lie about whether or not they have one of these health conditions. We will not ask a doctor for a note to do this.
“But please with you, please, please, don’t jump in front. We have so many vaccines coming and going soon, ”Cox said.
Cox said those decisions were made to prioritize and protect those most at risk for severe complications or death, and that jumping forward would mean that someone at higher risk would not be able to take action. their.
Meetings are not required for residents of their own counties
The other major change to the vaccine launch in Utah is that Cox said all eligible residents will no longer need to make appointments in the counties where they live.
Cox said that if you can find an appointment in another county, you can do it, but that you will have to go back to that county to get the second dose.
This story is broken and will be updated.
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 thoroughly 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.
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