HEALTH

Utahns over 65, or younger with underlying conditions, to be eligible for the vaccine in March

Feb 4, 2021, 10:55 AM | Updated: 1:35 pm

Gov. Spencer Cox says Utahns 65+ and some with underlying health conditions will be eligible for the vaccine come March 1.

BY SAIGE MILLER

KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY– Utah’s COVID-19 data is starting to trickle downwards, and vaccine distribution is going up: starting March 1, Utahns under the age of 65 will be eligible to receive the vaccine, along with Utahns over the age of 18 with specific co-morbidities.

During a weekly briefing Thursday, Gov. Spencer Cox stated the number of vaccines headed to Utah every week is expected to increase by 5% come March. And beginning next week, 50,000 additional doses will be shipped to Utah, according to Cox.

Cox projected by March, Utah could go from receiving 82,000 to 135,000 vaccine doses per week. However, Cox made it very clear that these are just projections and not guaranteed.

“At this point, we believe we can start 195,000 total doses per week starting in March,” said Cox, in reference to only the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.

Additionally, Cox said another vaccine distributor could make its way to Utah in mid-March, once it receives FDA approval.

“We are planning on receiving 35,000 doses from Johnson and Johnson per week starting in the first half of March,” said Cox.

With the increase in shots available, Cox is asking residents to be patient as local health departments grapple with the demand.

“There will be scheduling issues,” warned Cox, along with other logical issues. But, despite the issues, Cox said this is a good problem to have.

“We are going to embrace that chaos,” said Cox. “We are going to get shots in arms and save lives.”

Utahns 65+ and others with some underlying health conditions eligible for vaccine

Starting March 1, 2021, Cox said Utahns 65 and older will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with the age bump, Utahns over the age of 18 with some co-morbidities and underlying health conditions will be able to get the vaccine.

Cox warned not every single person with an underlying health condition will be eligible for the vaccine on March 1. However, it’s a pretty lengthy list of qualifying Utahns.

In addition, people over age 18 with one of the following underlying medical conditions will be eligible:

-Solid organ transplant recipients
-Certain cancers

— State of Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021

More eligible medical conditions starting March 1:

Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood, bone marrow, or organ transplant; HIV; use of corticosteroids long-term; or use of other immune weakening medicines long-term

— State of Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021

Here’s the whole list of new eligibility for vaccines starting March 1. Again, please do not try to make appointments yet.https://t.co/SBXMaTuc8N pic.twitter.com/XrsV14fRXo

— State of Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) February 4, 2021

Cox said about 400,000 Utahns live with underlying health conditions and promises those residents will continue to be a priority as vaccines roll-out.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash 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 per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Obtain a flu shot.