Old Utine likely to be vaccinated with COVID-19 from mid-February

The Salt Lake City — COVID-19 vaccine will be available to Utah over the age of 75, probably in mid-February, when the second phase of distribution begins, the Utah Department of Health announced on Monday.

“We’ve seen older people bear the most serious illness burden in our state and across the country,” said Rich Sanders, interim secretary general of the department. “These individuals are hospitalized, require intensive care, and are much more likely to die from COVID-19. Ensuring that these members of our community receive the vaccine as soon as possible is It helps save lives and reduce the burden on our hospital. “

The state began the first phase of vaccine distribution in early December, when hospitals began receiving doses to front-line healthcare professionals. Others currently vaccinated include long-term care facility residents and staff, and non-hospital tribal health care workers.

After the first phase are first responders, teachers and school staff. They plan to begin vaccination in late January through coordinated efforts between school district managers and the local health department.

Hospitalization and mortality rates are much higher in the elderly. According to the Ministry of Health, Utan 65-84 has more than three times the hospitalization rate of any other age group, and 85 years and older has almost five times the hospitalization rate.

Utahns over the age of 65 account for 77% of all coronavirus-related deaths in the state.

“When moving to Phase 2 of the vaccination program, it makes the most sense to vaccinate those at highest risk of hospitalization and death first,” Governor Gary Herbert said in a statement. “We continue to improve our plans and move forward under the principle that those who suffer the most should be vaccinated first.”

What has not yet been decided is whether to vaccinate other groups as part of the second phase, but the Department of Health said, “For additional age groups, residents with specific underlying illnesses, and collective environments. “Prioritying by the specific resident to live in” is likely to occur.

However, prioritization based on employment status in a particular industry has not been considered.

“As we continue to vaccinate, focusing on age does more than any other category of individuals to reduce infections and hospitalizations,” said Governor-elect Spencer. Cox said. “I am very supportive of this change and know that it will save lives.”

At the beginning of the second phase of vaccination, many residents will be vaccinated in local health department clinics, and only then will the vaccine be available through pharmacies and primary care providers, the Health Department said.

Details about the second phase of vaccine distribution, including age verification, are still under consideration. For more information on COVID-19 vaccine and state distribution plans, please visit: coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine..

The first vaccine was given at the Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele on Monday morning and began with Dr. Megan Schatzkarjola, Chief of Staff at the hospital. According to marketing director and spokeswoman Becky Trigger, the hospital has given all staff and senior volunteers a sufficient amount of Moderna vaccine 500 times.

“We are very excited. We plan to vaccinate our staff throughout the week, including New Year’s Day,” said Trigg. She said that hospital volunteers were mostly retirees over the age of 65 and had to leave for a pandemic after March, “I’m very anxious to come back and help us.” Stated.

Like many local hospitals, Twill’s facility does not have the ultra-low temperature storage required for the first Pfizer-approved vaccine.