Gov. Cox announces booster shots open to all
Nov 18, 2021, 10:25 AM | Updated: 10:44 am
SALT LAKE CITY — During a press conference Thursday morning Gov. Cox announced booster shots will be available to almost everyone in Utah starting Friday.
Under current CDC guidance and FDA emergency use authorization, those 18 and older who live or work in high-risk settings are eligible for booster doses.
Almost all Utahns live in high-transmission counties and are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.https://t.co/0EbfEWRBl2
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) November 18, 2021
Booster shots are only recommended by the CDC and FDA to individuals 18 and older who received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than six months ago; or who received their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago.
Almost all Utahns considered at high-risk
The CDC and FDA advised those who live or work in a high-risk setting are eligible to get their booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Cox explained in the press conference, almost all Utahns currently reside in high-transmission counties and are therefore at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and especially the Delta Variant. Thus, almost all Utahns, those 18 and older with the recommended vaccine history, can get their dose.
So again, due to high transmission levels in our state, all individuals 18+ who are fully vaccinated should consider a booster dose now. And anyone who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine should get their first dose immediately. Please schedule your appointment today.
— State of Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) November 18, 2021
The holiday season
UDOH and Gov. Cox encouraged the public to get their booster shots. He noted the coming holiday season and the uptick in travel as well as exposure to higher risk grandparents and family members as a reason to seek out a dose.
Gov. Cox said he wanted to emphasize that vaccination is still the best known way to stop the spread of the Coronavirus and to prevent serious associated risks.
Vaccination efforts
Gov. Cox asked vaccine providers to be proactive and reach out to those over the age of 65 as well as those with underlying medical conditions to encourage them to get the booster.
He applauded the Utah effort to vaccinate children since the final sign-off on the kid-sized dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Cox mentioned that in just two weeks over 44,000 children ages 5-11 have received their first dose.
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. And do so for at least 20 seconds.
- Also, 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
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
