SALT LAKE CITY – Utahns 75 years and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-February, according to Phase 2 of the state’s plan to distribute the vaccine.
The Utah Department of Health released details on Monday for Phase 2, which is expected to begin in February. According to a news release, the COVID-19 Unified Command Group in Utah has accepted the Department of Health’s recommendations for the second vaccination phase.
“We have seen older adults carry the worst disease burden in our country and across the country,” said Rich Saunders, interim executive director of the health department, in the release. “These individuals are much more likely to be hospitalized, need intensive care and die from COVID-19. If we ensure that these members of our community receive the vaccine as early as possible, it will save lives and reduce the burden on our hospitals. “
Phase 1 of the vaccine distribution plan began earlier this month. Frontline health care workers, residents and staff for long-term care facilities, as well as public and tribal health care workers, are now being vaccinated under the plan.
K-12 teachers and first responders are the next groups to receive the vaccine, likely in late January, the news release said.
People over 65 have much more serious consequences from COVID-19. In Utah, 77% of all deaths due to the disease so far have been among people 65 and older, the release said.
“As we move into phase 2 of our vaccination program, it simply makes the most sense to first vaccinate those who are most at risk for hospitalization and death,” Herbert said. “We will continue to refine our plans, and to continue on the principle that those who suffer the most must be vaccinated first.”
According to the health department, other groups receiving the vaccine in phase 2 have not been announced; However, Utahns is likely to be further prioritized by age groups, the release reads.
Utahns with underlying medical conditions and who live in certain “meeting institutions” can also be vaccinated in phase 2, according to the release. The health department no longer considers job status or type of work when prioritizing groups for the vaccine.
“If we focus on age, it will help reduce infections and alleviate hospitalizations more than any other category of individuals, as we continue to administer vaccinations,” said Spencer Cox, governor. “I support this change a lot and know it will save lives.”
When phase 2 begins, people will receive the vaccine at mass vaccination clinics at local health departments. Later in phase 2, the vaccines will be distributed by local pharmacies and primary care providers, the announcement reads.
Further phase 2 details, such as how vaccine clinics will verify the ages of people seeking the vaccines, have yet to be determined. More information about Utah’s vaccination plans is available at coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine.
This story will be updated.
Jacob Klopfenstein