CORONAVIRUS

State Seeks Volunteers For Utah Vaccine Operation

Feb 11, 2021, 5:29 PM | Updated: Feb 12, 2021, 12:29 am

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – More than 100,000 Utahns got either their first or second Covid vaccination this past week. If vaccination deliveries continue as expected, the state expects to open up vaccinations for all of us in the next three months. As the vaccination campaign begins to grow, the state now needs Utahns to step up and help.

Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson made a call to action for volunteers. Henderson and the Governor are optimistic about the acceleration of the vaccination campaign.

“It’s a monumental effort, and a huge task,” said Henderson.

As more COVID-19 vaccine flows into Utah, the state will need three to four times the capacity to deliver shots this spring, according to Governor Spencer Cox.

“We could have vaccine available for every adult in Utah, who wants one, into May,” the governor said today in his weekly briefing.

“We are officially issuing a call to action,” said Henderson. “We are announcing a statewide effort, a statewide volunteer effort for those who are willing and able to help in our vaccine operation.”

They need doctors, pharmacists, and nurses with various qualifications, respiratory therapists, dentists, and paramedics.

“We have immediate need for vaccinators, people who can give vaccines,” said Henderson.

They also need help with traffic control, data entry, and security.

“Someone on our team said it feels like we’re in the fourth quarter of the pandemic, and we’ve got a lead now for the first time,” said Cox.

 

The state is now working to add high capacity vaccination sites, like one that has been operating since early in the campaign in Davis County. But, the state will also utilize smaller sites and mobile units in neighborhoods where some residents may not be as mobile.

“When we figure out exactly what day that first big bunch of vaccines is going to come, then we will announce all of the sites that will be opening,” the governor said.

He said that we can expect to see vaccination sites at places like stadiums, movie theaters, parking lots.

“There will be all kinds of different places that you can go to get your vaccine,” Cox said.

“We need sites that can do thousands every day in order to do this logistically.”

More than 462,000 COVID-19 shots have been administered so far during the vaccination campaign – 100,000 this past week.

Nearly 90% of the state’s long-term care residents have been vaccinated. And, half of the residents 70 years old, or older, have received at least the first dose. That’s significant because 73% of Utah deaths from COVID-19 have been in that age group.

“We need you,” said Henderson. “We need you badly, and this is the bright shining light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

Anyone who wants to volunteer can go to utahresponds.org to register. But, everybody should know, volunteering to help does not change your eligibility status for the vaccine.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

State Seeks Volunteers For Utah Vaccine Operation