Governor Spencer Cox announced yesterday that all individuals 16 and older with certain underlying medical conditions are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Utah.
“We have so many more vaccines coming soon,” Cox told this week’s COVID-19 media conference. “We prioritize these individuals, again based on age and these underlying comorbidities, because they are at greatest risk for hospitalization or death.”
The list of approved underlying conditions that enable an individual to receive the vaccine can be found on our vaccination distribution page.
Cox has asked the public to be patient with pharmacies and local health departments as they adapt to the change and update their appointment systems to meet the new requirements.
Note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the CDC for administration to individuals aged 16 and 17 years.
The opening of the vaccine for this new group comes earlier than expected according to the original timeline for the distribution of vaccines. Cox said he was impressed with the speed with which suppliers were able to administer vaccines, and was committed to shifting the timeline, where possible.
“In just one week, we gave a first dose of vaccine to 29% of Utahns between the ages of 65 and 69,” Cox said.
Also at Thursday’s briefing, Cox announced that Utahns will immediately be able to discuss an appointment with any health department, rather than just with the health department where they live. This change is being made to make COVID-19 vaccines more accessible to those who want them.
Keep in mind that the vaccines for Pfizer and Moderna require two doses, about three to four weeks apart. You should receive your second dose at the same place as your first dose. Please plan accordingly. You can find a list of the contact details of the health department, as well as links to local pharmacies that administer vaccines, on our distribution page.