Weekly COVID update: Vaccines now fully available for anyone 16 or older

During Thursday’s weekly press conference, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah’s first lady, Abby Cox, received the Pfizer vaccine on camera.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Dr. Angela Dunn also attended the briefing to talk about vaccine updates and the overall decrease in COVID-19 cases.

At the beginning of the meeting, Cox mentioned that he and the first lady had had multiple opportunities to get the vaccine but had declined every opportunity beforehand.

“We wanted to do it the right way and make sure we weren’t getting ahead of, walking in the line, of anyone else,” he said.

He added that, in Utah, the decision was made to focus on the most vulnerable first.

As a result, Cox said, Utah has been as successful, or more successful, than any other state in vaccinating those who need it most. The vulnerable population includes those over the age of 65 and those with underlying comorbidities, or multiple underlying conditions.

The governor said it was a special day when they were finally able to open it up to everyone in Utah.

“We are excited, we are overjoyed, we are relieved. More than anything else we are humble and grateful as we reflect back on this past year and the miracle that is this vaccine.”

He added that anyone who had a chance to study the science behind the vaccine knew how hard it was to make this work.

“Everything had to line up just perfectly and so many people worked around the clock to get these in record time, ensuring they are safe,” he said. “Now we see the practical results as our case numbers continue to come down. “

Cox said, although he was receiving the Pfizer vaccine, he had wanted to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. He knew there was some hesitancy and wanted everyone to know it was safe to get it. However, he believes hesitancy hasn’t been a huge problem in Utah.

“The best vaccine for you is the one that is available,” he said. ““Whatever they give at that location, we will take whatever it is.”

Cox also said the Biden administration has let his team know there are more vaccines coming, particularly from Johnson and Johnson. He said he was told to expect “thousands and thousands” over the next week and moving forward.

He also cautioned people, saying “A surge right now is completely avoidable.”

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, had asked the governor to remind everyone about the death toll in Utah, as funeral assistance is now available for family members who lost loved ones to COVID. While many of the details are still being worked out, FEMA is expected to launch the program next month.

Henderson addressed the vaccine rate in Utah.

“As of this morning, we have administered 1,232,991 doses of the vaccine. That’s first and second shots,” she said. “That’s an increase of 152,952 doses over last week.”

As for the most vulnerable population, Henderson said 80% of those 65 and older have received at least one dose, with 57% fully vaccinated.

“This is the clearest path back to normalcy,” she said.

She also said Cox has authorized up to two hours of administrative leave for state employees to get vaccinated this week.

Dunn talked about the steady decrease in case counts. According to Dunn, the seven-day rolling average of new cases is now 419, which is down from 489 last week. Percent positivity is also decreasing, with person over person now at 7.6 positivity; it was 8.4 last week. ICU utilization is continuing to decrease.

Dunn said the Utah County vaccination site the briefing was held at is “so well-organized, well-run and efficient. “

“Everyone is filled with hope and joy,” she said.

Dunn added a special thanks to public health professionals who have dedicated their time to make sure as many get vaccinated as possible. “You are the reason we are pushing forward to the end of this business.”

Cox was asked about lifting restrictions and said, given the trajectory, they anticipate most health restrictions gone before July 1.

The press briefing ended with the governor and first lady receiving their vaccine shots and cards.

Cache County has multiple locations available for vaccination, including:

Smith’s Pharmacy

Walgreens Pharmacy

Sam’s Club Pharmacy

Walmart Pharmacy

*All locations require appointment.