Which Utahns will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in March? We have the answers.

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People aged 65 and over and those with certain medical conditions can be vaccinated next month.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Vaccines will be available to more residents next month.

| February 6, 2021, 2:10 p.m.

Utah is preparing to launch COVID-19 vaccines to more members of the public. The next wave of people will be eligible from March.

Who can opt for a vaccine now? Who is fit for March?

Currently, the list of people who can get a vaccine includes people over the age of 70, health workers, first aiders, K-12 teachers and K-12 school staff.

As of March 1, this list will be open to people over the age of 65 and anyone over the age of 18 who has a pre-existing medical condition approved by the state. People who have had the most cancers in the last year will be eligible. People who have been diagnosed with haematological cancer or blood cancer at any time in the last five years will be eligible. Anyone with uncontrollable diabetes, rated as a1c levels of 9.0 or higher, will be eligible for a shot. People who are considered obese based on a body mass index equal to or greater than 40 will be eligible. If you receive immunosuppressive therapy or have a weakened immune system due to medication or HIV, you can get the vaccine.

Other eligible conditions include being a solid organ transplant recipient, having severe kidney disease, having chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, having chronic heart disease that does not include hypertension, having chronic respiratory illness that does not include asthma. , have neurological conditions that affect respiratory function, including Parkinson’s disease and Down syndrome, having had a stroke or dementia and has suffered asplenia, including sickle.

How do I prove I have a medical condition that makes me eligible for a vaccine?

Not necessary. The state trusts the honor system and asks those who do not have underlying conditions not to take vaccines to those who have serious illnesses.

“If you don’t fall into those categories … don’t look for vaccine,” state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said at a press conference this week.

I am entitled to a vaccine! That means I should call my health department to make an appointment, right?

Mal. Spaces for March appointments are not yet open.

Public announcements will be made when it is time for people to sign up. The state urges residents not to disturb local health departments while focusing on vaccinating people over the age of 70. Anything that slows down this process will delay the distribution of vaccines to other groups, depending on the state.

Salt Lake County Department of Health spokesman Nicholas Rupp said people are likely to be able to start scheduling March appointments about a week before the end of February. If the opening hours of March open earlier, the public will be informed.

“They’re not open now,” he said, “(residents) shouldn’t call us or try to get an appointment now.”

I am not entitled to the vaccine in March. When can I get vaccinated?

More people should be able to get the vaccine in April. The state plans to expand eligibility for the vaccine to older age groups, more pre-existing conditions, and people living in congregated settings such as prisons.

All Utahs should be able to get vaccinated this spring or summer, according to current state plans.

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