UDOH: 44% of eligible Utahns have received at least one dose of vaccine

Apr 7, 2021, 2:47 PM

FILE - In this Monday, March 8, 2021 file photo, a health worker shows the media how she prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to a patient at a vaccination center set up in front of Rome's Termini central station. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

BY SAIGE MILLER

Former Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) reported a vaccine milestone Tuesday. A total of 1,526,353 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Utahns, resulting in approximately 44% of Utah’s eligible population receiving at least their first jab.

“This is a milestone worth celebrating and we hope this number will continue to rise as more and more Utahns choose to become vaccinated,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

“The speed in (sic) which we’ve been able to vaccinate Utahns is a testament to the hard work and dedication by Utah’s public health system and our statewide vaccination partners,” he added.

Currently, Utah ranks 11th in the nation for vaccine distribution, which is lower than previously reported. Gov. Cox warned in a COVID-19 update on March 19 that Utah will begin to fall behind due to its young population and vaccine eligibility.

Even though Utahns age 16 and older are able to get the vaccine under the state’s eligibility requirements, a good chunk of the state’s population is younger than 16. It’s also important to note those who are 16 and 17 only qualify for the Pfizer vaccine.

Next week, Utah’s vaccine distribution will hit a road bump following a bad batch of Johnson & Johnson vaccines that were expected to be shipped to the state.

In a live interview with KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic, Utah Department of Health Immunizations Director Rich Lakin said Utah would receive about 35,000 fewer doses in next week’s vaccine shipment.

Despite the setback, public health officials “are optimistic every Utahn who wants to get a vaccine will soon be able to get one.”

To find a vaccine provider near you, visit coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-distribution or vaccinefinder.org.

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.
Get vaccinated when you are eligible.