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“Vaccine shopping” has to stop, health officials urge

UPDATED: APRIL 2, 2021 AT 12:48 PM

Pregnant women should get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to doctors studying the vaccine during pregnancy. FILE: KSL TV

BY MICHELE ROWE
Michele Rowe

SALT LAKE CITY — “Vaccine shopping” could prevent eligible Utahns from receiving protection against COVID-19, according to health officials in the state.

Executive Director of the Salt Lake County Health Department Gary Edwards says people’s vaccine shopping is causing a problem.

What is “vaccine shopping?”

Vaccine shopping happens when people make an appointment for a vaccine, then find another appointment time but do not cancel the first appointment. According to Edwards, that does not mean the vaccine goes to waste. However, it can delay someone else’s vaccination by a day or more.

According to Edwards as many as 30,000 vaccinations a day are being administered in Salt Lake County. The county is prepared to double the amount of vaccinations if they get that number of vaccines delivered to them.

As many as ten percent of the appointments so far are no-shows.

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.