SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s COVID-19 data is starting to leak and vaccine distribution is growing: starting March 1, Utahns under the age of 65 will be eligible to receive the vaccine, along with Utahns over the age of 18 specifically comorbidities.
In a weekly briefing on Thursday, Gov. Spencer Cox said the number of vaccines given in Utah each week is expected to increase by 5% in March. And starting next week, an additional 50,000 doses will be shipped to Utah, according to Cox.
Cox projected by March, Utah could go from receiving 82,000 to 135,000 doses of vaccine per week. However, Cox made it very clear that these are just projections and are not guaranteed.
“Right now, we think we can start 195,000 total doses a week starting in March,” Cox said, referring only to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.
In addition, Cox said another vaccine distributor could arrive in Utah in mid-March once it receives FDA approval.
“We plan to receive 35,000 doses from Johnson and Johnson per week, starting in the first half of March,” Cox said.
As the number of photos available increases, Cox urges residents to be patient as local health departments meet the demand.
“There will be scheduling issues,” Cox warned, along with other logic issues. But despite the problems, Cox said it was a good problem.
“We will embrace that chaos,” Cox said. “We will get shot in the arms and we will save lives.”
Utahns 65+ and others with some underlying health conditions eligible for the vaccine
As of March 1, 2021, Cox said Utahns 65 and over will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with the increase in age, Utahns over the age of 18 with some comorbidities and underlying health conditions will be able to receive the vaccine.
Cox warned that not every person with a underlying condition will be eligible for the March 1 vaccine. However, there is a fairly long list of qualified Utahns.
In addition, persons over the age of 18 with one of the following underlying medical conditions will be eligible:
-Receptors for solid organ transplantation
-Some types of cancer– Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Several eligible medical conditions starting March 1:
Immunocompromised condition (weakened immune system) of blood, bone marrow or organ transplant; HIV; long-term use of corticosteroids; or the use of other medicines to weaken long-term immunity
– Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Here is the full list of new vaccine eligibility starting March 1st. Again, please do not try to make appointments yet. Http://t.co/SBXMaTuc8N pic.twitter.com/XrsV14fRXo
– Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Cox said about 400,000 Utahns live in underlying health conditions and promises that those residents will continue to be a priority as vaccines are launched.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is spread from person to person, 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.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others according to CDC recommendations.
- 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 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