SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s COVID-19 data is starting to decline and vaccine distribution is increasing: as of March 1, Utahns under 65 will be eligible to receive the vaccine, along with Utahns over 18 years comorbidities.
During a weekly meeting on Thursday, Governor Spencer Cox said the number of vaccines sent to 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.
Projected for Cox in March, Utah could range from receiving 82,000 to 135,000 doses of vaccine a week. However, Cox made it very clear that these are only projections and are not guaranteed.
“At this point, we believe we can start 195,000 total doses a week from March,” said Cox, 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 are planning to receive 35,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson a week starting in the first half of March,” said Cox.
With the increase in available vaccines, Cox is asking residents to be patient while local health departments deal with the demand.
“There will be scheduling problems,” Cox cautioned, along with other logical problems. But despite the problems, Cox said it was a good problem.
“We are going to embrace this chaos,” said Cox. “We are going to take gunshots and save lives.”
Utahns over 65 and others with some underlying health conditions eligible for vaccine
As of March 1, 2021, Cox said Utahns aged 65 and over will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with increasing age, Utahns over 18 with some underlying comorbidities and health problems may be vaccinated.
Cox warned that not all people with an underlying health condition will be eligible for the vaccine on March 1. However, it is a very long list of qualified Utahns.
In addition, people over 18 with one 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 as of March 1:
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) by blood, bone marrow or organ transplant; HIV; long-term use of corticosteroids; or use of other drugs to weaken the immune system in the long term
– Utah State COVID-19 response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Here is the entire list of new vaccine qualifications from March 1st. Again, don’t try to book appointments yet.https: //t.co/SBXMaTuc8N pic.twitter.com/XrsV14fRXo
– Utah State COVID-19 response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021
Cox said some 400,000 Utahns are living with underlying health problems and promises that these residents will continue to be a priority in the distribution of vaccines.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
The COVID-19 coronavirus spreads from person to person, similar to the common cold and flu. So, 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.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations.
- Keep children and people with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this case, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social detachment (stay at home instead of going to the cinema, sporting events or other activities).
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
KSL Coronavirus Q&A
Utah Coronavirus Information
Utah State Council 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