SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Spencer Cox announced Thursday that “Effective immediately, Utahns ages 16 and older with certain co-morbidities are eligible for vaccination.”
Cox also announced that all eligible groups no longer have to make an appointment to receive a dose of the vaccine in their home country.
Information about where the vaccine is available and the list of underlying medical conditions that qualify for the vaccine on March 1 can be found on the state’s coronavirus website.
This announcement and acceleration of the timeline came after Cox announced last week that the vaccine would be available for Utahns 65 and older.
“In just a week, we gave a first dose of vaccine to 29% of Utahns between the ages of 65 and 69, which is just incredible news,” Cox said.
Cox stressed the need for those new to qualifying for their doses of the vaccine to ensure they meet the requirements outlined on the state’s website.
“Please pay special attention to this piece now. The CDC has only approved the Pfizer vaccine for people ages 16-18, so if you’re 16 or 17 and you have one of those underlying health conditions, you can make an appointment for a location with the Pfizer vaccine to have your injection. to get. “
Cox also asked for patience in the process, as not every vaccination site has the Pfizer vaccine and many local pharmacies have not yet been able to update their eligibility requirements.
The honor system
“We’re using the honor system… we’re going for speed over accuracy, that’s a choice we had to make, meaning it’s possible that people are lying about whether they have any of these underlying health issues or not. We do not need a doctor’s statement for this.
‘But I beg you, please, please, don’t jump forward in line. There are so many more vaccines on the way, and they are coming soon, ”said Cox.
Cox said these decisions were made to prioritize and protect those most at risk for serious complications or death, and that jumping ahead would mean someone else at greater risk can’t get theirs.
No appointments necessary for residents of their own counties
The other major change made to the introduction of the vaccine in Utah is that Cox said that all eligible residents no longer need to make appointments in the counties where they live.
Cox said that if you can find an appointment in another county, you can make it, but you’ll need to return to that county to get your second dose.
This story breaks and will be updated.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus similar to the common cold and flu. So to keep it from spreading:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a mask.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and people with compromised immune systems away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing (at least 6 feet in this case)
- If there’s an outbreak in your area, practice social distance (stay at home, rather than going to the movies, sporting events, or other activities).
- Get a flu shot.
Local sources
KSL Coronavirus Q&A
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
Utah State Board of Education
Utah Hospital Association
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National sources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions, World Health Organization
Cases in the United States