Utah hospitals could receive COVID-19 vaccines in less than two weeks
Dec 2, 2020, 4:54 PM
Local health officials are predicting that coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Utah will surge throughout January. (Photo: University of Maryland School of Medicine via AP, File)
(Photo: University of Maryland School of Medicine via AP, File)
SALT LAKE CITY — It won’t arrive via reindeer-drawn sleigh, but shipments of COVID-19 vaccines will be just as welcome when they arrive at Utah hospitals, and it could happen in under two weeks.
Rich Lakin, immunization director for the Utah Department of Health, says the first of several COVID vaccines, from Pfizer, could arrive at local hospitals in less than two weeks. That’s as long as the federal government grants emergency approval for their use.
“So the 15th of December is when hospitals, those five hospitals, would receive their vaccine. And then the week of the 20th, we get additional doses from Pfizer,” he said.
Read more in our special coverage, “The Vaccines: Hope on the Horizon”
The five hospitals set to receive the vaccine are LDS Hospital, University of Utah Hospital, Intermountain’s main medical center in Murray, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and Dixie Regional Medical Center.
The U.K. approved Pfizer’s vaccine already in that country, but U.S. officials are still considering the request.
Lakin told KSL the week of Dec. 20 could also bring doses of the Moderna vaccine to the state. Additional doses of both could arrive by Dec. 27.
Related stories:
- State officials: Utah ready to store, distribute COVID-19 vaccines
- UK becomes first country to approve Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, first shots roll out next week
- Utahns would pay $429 to jump ahead in line for coronavirus vaccine
- Are the Covid-19 vaccines safe?
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.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
