SALT LAKE CITY – Utah COVID-19 data begins to flow down and vaccine distribution increases: as of March 1, Utahns under the age of 65 will be able to receive the vaccine, along with older Utahns 18 years with comorbidities.
During a weekly briefing Thursday, Gov. Spencer Cox said the number of vaccines targeted at 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, scheduled for March, Utah could go from receiving 82,000 to 135,000 doses of vaccine per week. However, Cox made it very clear that they are only projections and are not guaranteed.
“At this point, we believe 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 head to Utah in mid-March, once it receives FDA approval.
“We plan to receive 35,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson per week starting the first fortnight of March,” Cox said.
With the increase in shots available, Cox is asking residents to be patient while local health departments are facing demand.
“There will be programming issues,” Cox warned, along with other logic issues. But despite the problems, Cox said this was a good problem.
“Let’s embrace this chaos,” Cox said. “We’re going to get shot in the arms and we’ll save lives.”
Utahns 65+ and others with some underlying health conditions eligible for the vaccine
As of March 1, 2021, Cox said Utahns age 65 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with the stroke, Utahns over the age of 18 with some comorbidities and underlying health conditions will be able to get the vaccine.
Cox warned that not all people with an underlying health status will be eligible for the March 1 vaccine. However, this is a fairly long list of qualified Utahns.
In addition, people over the age of 18 who have any of the following underlying medical conditions will be eligible:
-Solid organ transplant recipients
-Certain cancers– Utah State COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
More eligible medical conditions from March 1:
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) by transplantation of blood, bone marrow or organ; HIV; long-term use of corticosteroids; or the use of other medications to weaken long-term immunity
– Utah State COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Here is the full list of new requirements for vaccines starting March 1st. Again, don’t try to make appointments yet. Http://t.co/SBXMaTuc8N pic.twitter.com/XrsV14fRXo
– Utah State COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Cox said about 400,000 Utahns live with underlying health conditions and promises residents will continue to be a priority as vaccines are developed.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads from person to person, 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.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Use 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 six meters).
- 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