Despite unfilled vaccine appointments in Utah County, officials say no doses wasted

Feb 9, 2021, 3:45 PM

Former Anchor/Producer/Reporter

UTAH COUNTY — Despite the number of unfilled appointment slots yesterday, the Utah County Health Department said no doses of the COVID-19 vaccine went to waste.

Officials said that 200 appointment slots weren’t filled on Monday. Today, the county says it’s now focusing on reaching out to those aged 70 and older, which is the group currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Health department spokeswoman Aislynn Tollman Hill says that, since Friday, they’ve tried to vaccinate 2,000 people at their Spanish Fork vaccine site. On Monday about 200 slots went unfilled.

“That vaccine will certainly not go unused,” Tollman Hill told KSL Newsradio, “that vaccine will essentially be reallocated throughout this week.”

Tollman-Hill says they’re starting to experience less of the crushing demand for vaccines from the 70 and older group and thinks many didn’t know they could sign up.

“We haven’t really had to do anything up to this point with, like, advertising to people, ‘hey this is where you get your vaccine.’ We’ve just said, ‘hey it’s available, come sign up and get it.'”

Tollman-Hill also says they’re getting swamped with calls from people who are not eligible yet, wanting to sign up.

We are getting swamped with calls & messages from those not eligible for the vaccine wanting an appt. Although they mean well, it takes away from our efforts to help those 70+. To receive notifications in our efforts, text “UCHEALTH” to 888777 or monitor our website/social media pic.twitter.com/shUkEDzLLb

— UtahCountyHealthDept (@UCHD) February 9, 2021

Utah County health officials are also pushing others to reach out to their 70-plus neighbors and loved ones. Officials say the easiest way to get notified of new appointments is to text UCHEALTH to 888777.

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).
Get a flu shot.