Governor Spencer Cox announced yesterday all individuals aged 16 and older with certain underlying medical conditions are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Utah.
“We have so many more vaccines coming and they’re coming soon,” Cox said in this week’s COVID-19 media briefing. “We’re prioritizing theses individuals, again based on age and these underlying comorbidities because they are at the greatest risk of hospitalization or death.”
The list of approved underlying conditions that qualify an individual to receive the vaccine can be found on our vaccine distribution page.
Cox asked the public to be patient with pharmacies and local health departments as they adapt to the change and update their appointment systems to accommodate the new eligibility requirements.
Please note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the CDC for administration to individuals aged 16 and 17.
Opening up vaccine eligibility to this new group comes earlier than anticipated under the original vaccine distribution timeline. Cox said he’s been impressed with the speed at which providers have been able to administer vaccines and is committed to moving up the timeline whenever possible.
“In just one week we have given a first dose of vaccine to 29% of Utahns between the age of 65 and 69,” Cox said.
Also at Thursday’s briefing, Cox announced that effective immediately Utahns will be able to schedule an appointment with any health department, rather than just with the health department where they live. This change is being made to make COVID-19 vaccines more accessible to those who want them.
When making an appointment, keep in mind that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses approximately three to four weeks apart. You will need to receive your second dose at the same location as your first. Please plan accordingly. You can find a list of health department contact information, as well as links to local pharmacies that are administering vaccines on our vaccine distribution page.