Utahns over age 65 or younger with underlying conditions are eligible for the vaccine in March

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SALT LAKE CITY– Utah’s COVID-19 data starts to trickle down, and vaccine distribution goes up: As of March 1, Utahns under 65 years of age will be eligible for the vaccine, along with Utahns over 18 years of age with specific co- morbidities.

During a weekly briefing on Thursday, Governor Spencer Cox stated that the number of vaccines going 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.

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

“At this point, we think we can start 195,000 total doses per week from March,” Cox said, referring to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines only.

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

“We plan to receive 35,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson per week from the first half of March,” said Cox.

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

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

“We’re going to embrace that chaos,” said Cox. “We’re going to shoot guns and save lives.”

Utahns 65+ and others with some underlying health conditions who are eligible for vaccination

As of March 1, 2021, Cox said Utahns 65 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with the age push, Utahns over the age of 18 with some comorbidities and underlying health conditions will be able to get the vaccine.

Cox warned that not every person with an underlying health condition will be eligible for the vaccine on March 1. However, it is quite a long list of eligible Utahns.

Cox said about 400,000 Utahs are living with underlying health conditions and promises those residents will remain a priority in vaccine introduction.

How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads from person to person, 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.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others according to the recommendations of the CDC.
  • Keep children and people with compromised immune systems away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing (at least six feet in this case).
  • If there’s an outbreak in your area, practice social detachment (stay at home, instead of 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

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