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Gov. Cox: Utahns 65-69 eligible for vaccine ‘as of right now’

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 18, 2021 AT 10:37 AM

FILE: Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at a COVID-19 briefing at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Photo: Jeffrey Allred, Deseret News

BY COLBY WALKER
KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced on Thursday that all Utahns aged 65 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have made incredible progress over the past month, and especially over the past week, when it comes to vaccinating all of Utah adults age 70 and over,” Cox said. “As of this morning, we have vaccinated approximately 62% of those that are 70 and over with their first doses.”

He also added that 91% of those in long-term care facilities have been vaccinated. Because of this, Cox said the state will now begin offering vaccination appointments for all Utahn’s 65 and up.

“As we continue to see our weekly allocation of doses increase, I’m announcing that as of right now, immediately, Utah adults age 65-69 are now eligible to receive the vaccine.”

All vaccine providers across the state will accept anyone 65 and older for an appointment, though availability will vary throughout the state.

“I can’t emphasize this enough, we are asking for your continued patience as this will flood phone lines and servers as more and more people are trying to sign up.”

Cox said that the plan to allow Utahns of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions and co-morbidities to sign up for shots on March 1 has not changed.

Information about where the vaccine is available and the list of underlying medical conditions that will become eligible for the vaccine on March 1 can be found on the state’s coronavirus website.

Gov. Cox will join KSL NewsRadio for “Let Me Speak to the Governor” where he will be available to answer your questions at noon.

To ask a question you can call 801-575-8255 or text us at 575-00.

Phone lines will open at noon.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is 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.
Wear a mask.
Don’t touch your face.
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.)
Get a flu shot.