SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Spencer Cox announced Thursday that, “Indeed immediately, Utahns who are 16 and older with certain comorbidities can be vaccinated.”
Cox also announced that all eligible groups no longer need to make an appointment to receive a dose of the vaccine in their own counties.
Information on where the vaccine is available and a list of underlying medical conditions that will be eligible for the vaccine on March 1 can be found on the state coronavirus website.
This announcement and acceleration of the schedule came after Cox announced last week that the vaccine would be available for Utahns age 65 or older.
“In just one week we’ve delivered a first dose of vaccine to 29% of Utahns between the ages of 65 and 69, which is amazing news,” Cox said.
Cox stressed the need for new eligible for their vaccine doses to ensure they meet the requirements as stated on the state 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 these underlying health conditions, you can make an appointment to get a location with the vaccine. Pfizer to get your vaccine “.
Cox also called for patience in the process, as not all vaccination sites have the Pfizer vaccine and many local pharmacies have not yet been able to update eligibility requirements.
The honor system
“We’re using the honor system … we bet on speed above accuracy, which is an option we had to take, which means it’s possible for people to lie about whether or not they have any of these conditions underlying health.We will not require a medical note to do so.
“But I beg you, please, please, please, do not jump ahead. We have so many more vaccines and they will arrive soon, ”Cox said.
Cox said these decisions were made to prioritize and protect people at higher risk of serious complications or death and that moving forward on the line would mean someone else with a higher risk will not be able to get theirs.
No appointments are required for residents in their own counties
The other major change that was made to the implementation of the vaccine in Utah is that Cox said all eligible residents will no longer have to make an appointment in the counties where they live.
Cox said if you can find an appointment in another county, you can do so, but you will have to go back to that county to get your second dose.
This story is broken and will be updated.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus transmitted from person to person. It is a virus similar to the common cold and flu. Therefore, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear 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 six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (staying home, instead of going to the movies, sporting events, or other activities).
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Questions and answers about 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