Frontline Workers In Utah First To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
Dec 15, 2020, 2:06 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The first COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Utah.
University of Utah Health began giving shots to its frontline workers Tuesday morning, and LDS Hospital and Utah Valley Hospital began their inoculations in the early afternoon.
Originally, Intermountain physicians had planned to begin the vaccination process for prioritized frontline caregivers on Wednesday. However, thanks to progress in scheduling caregivers, they were able to push that up a day.
While it is not mandatory, Intermountain officials said they expect 70% of staff will get in line for the shot. Health care workers who are at highest risk for exposure – such as those in the COVID and ICU units – are among the first to receive it.
Several additional hospitals in Utah are expecting shipments of the vaccine on Tuesday, including Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George and Intermountain Medical Center in Murray.
Health officials said even those who are vaccinated could still transmit the virus. Between now and the community rollout, those who receive the shot are asked not to let their guards down. They should continue social distancing, washing their hands often, and wearing masks.
Widespread vaccination is still months away, authorities said.