Michigan will see a big expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility starting on Monday, March 22.
Starting Monday (March 22) all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of people who are aged 50 and up (part of Phase 2), as well as vaccination of people aged 16 and up who have disabilities and/or medical conditions, as well as their caregiver family members and guardians.
By April 5, 2021, all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of all people aged 16 and up who were not previously eligible.
As of Friday, 27.1% of residents, including about 2/3 of the 65 and up group, had received at least one dose of a vaccine.
Pharmacies: CVS and Rite Aid are expanding vaccines around the state.
There are various ways to request an appointment, including by phone. Here’s a list of the six ways Michigan residents can sign up for a vaccine.
NOTE: Appointments are based on vaccine supply, and while supply is increasing, you can still expect some delays and backlogs, depending on where you live. Register wherever you can.
Certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.
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Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Down Syndrome
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
The following medical conditions might place an individual at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, and are therefore also eligible for vaccination in ages 50 and above at this time:
Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
Cystic fibrosis
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
More info: Local 4′s Dr. Frank McGeorge answers COVID vaccine questions
There isn’t enough vaccine for the groups currently being vaccinated, why are we adding more?
MDHHS: It is important to note that phases of vaccination will be adjusted based on many factors which include efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Data is being evaluated to ensure that those with the highest risk and roles in supporting communities are identified for vaccination based on the available supply. We understand the challenges and appreciate everyone’s patience while we work to utilize all vaccine accordingly.
Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
COULD SEE. BACK TO YOU. TY: SOUNDS GOOD. TODAY MORE COUNTIES ACROSS THE , STATE WILL BE ENTERING INTO THE LESS RESTRICTIVE RED TIER. CALIFORNIA MET ITS GOAL OF ADMINISTERING TWO MILLION VACCINE DOSES IN AREAS THE STATE HAS LABELED AS VULNERABLE. HERE IS A LOOK AT THE 13 COUNTIES THAT ARE MOVING INTO THE RED TODAY. THAT INCLUDES AMADOR, MONO AND PLACER COUNTIE ALSO ON THE LIST, IS LOS ANGELES COUNTY, WHICH HAS HAD A DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH NUMBER OF THE STATE’S INFECTIONS AND DEATHS OVER THE PAST YEAR. MOVING TO THE RED TIER MEANS MANY BUSINESSES CAN NOW OPERATE INDOORS WITH LIMITIED CAPACITY. THIS INCLUDES INDOOR DINING AND MOVIE THEATERS, GYMS, AND MUSEUMS, ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS. SO HERE’S A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEXT. HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THEY EXPECT ANOTHER 13 COUNTIES WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE TO THE RED TIER ON TUESDAY. THEY INCLUDE SACRAMENTO, SAN JOAQUIN AND YUBA COUNTIES. IT’S NOT A DONE DEAL YET. BUT HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THEY’RE HOPEFUL IT WILL HA
San Francisco expands who can get COVID-19 vaccine under new rules
Updated: 7:08 PM PDT Mar 14, 2021
San Francisco will allow people with HIV to get vaccinated, along with people who identify as deaf or disabled, starting on Monday when California opens up the number of residents eligible for the coronavirus vaccine to people with certain significant, high-risk medical conditions or disabilities.An estimated 4.4 million Californians meet the state criteria, which includes more essential workers, people who work or live in jails, homeless shelters and other congregant places, and those with disabilities and health conditions that put them at risk of severe COVID-19.San Francisco is going beyond the state’s eligibility rules by to cover developmental, medical, physical, sensory or behavioral health disabilities, including severe mental health or substance use disorders, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday.”Getting vaccinations to people with disabilities and who have severe underlying conditions, and people who are in congregate settings, is an important part of our efforts to save lives and protect our most vulnerable residents,” Mayor London Breed said in a statement.She cautioned that despite opening up vaccine eligibility for several new groups, supply remains low. So far, roughly 27% of San Francisco residents have received at least one dose of vaccine.Eligible people will not be required to provide documentation but will be asked to sign a self-attestation that they meet the criteria, the state’s public health department said.
SAN FRANCISCO —
San Francisco will allow people with HIV to get vaccinated, along with people who identify as deaf or disabled, starting on Monday when California opens up the number of residents eligible for the coronavirus vaccine to people with certain significant, high-risk medical conditions or disabilities.
An estimated 4.4 million Californians meet the state criteria, which includes more essential workers, people who work or live in jails, homeless shelters and other congregant places, and those with disabilities and health conditions that put them at risk of severe COVID-19.
San Francisco is going beyond the state’s eligibility rules by to cover developmental, medical, physical, sensory or behavioral health disabilities, including severe mental health or substance use disorders, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday.
“Getting vaccinations to people with disabilities and who have severe underlying conditions, and people who are in congregate settings, is an important part of our efforts to save lives and protect our most vulnerable residents,” Mayor London Breed said in a statement.
She cautioned that despite opening up vaccine eligibility for several new groups, supply remains low. So far, roughly 27% of San Francisco residents have received at least one dose of vaccine.
Eligible people will not be required to provide documentation but will be asked to sign a self-attestation that they meet the criteria, the state’s public health department said.
DETROIT – On Saturday, the Macomb County Health Department announced the expansion of priority groups eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The health department has expanded eligibility to now include the following groups:
People aged 16 and up who have disabilities and/or medical conditions, as well as their caregiver family members and guardians.
Guardians and conservators required by statute to visit and who are actively visiting wards; and, attorneys that are required to attend in-person proceedings who work in close proximity with others that cannot otherwise be conducted virtually.
“We are encouraged to see a number of positive trends with our vaccination strategy here in Macomb County,” said Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel.
“With an ever-growing number of seniors obtaining the vaccine and increased doses being received, we are making the commitment to provide vaccines to individuals who have a disability and legal advocates.”
On Sunday Hackel will make an appearance on Flashpoint along with other regional leaders to discuss crucial issues including vaccine distribution.
Flashpoint 3/14/21: Energy secretary Jennifer Granholm, county leaders to weigh in on crucial issues
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Macomb County Health Officer, Andrew Cox, said this is the next step to ensure all vulnerable population groups can have safe access to the vaccine.
”Throughout this pandemic we have worked with public health experts and community advocates to develop the most responsive and equitable vaccine strategy for our community,” said Cox.
Michigan announced Friday that all residents age 16 and up will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 5, nearly a month before the May 1 date pledged by President Joe Biden.
Read more:All adults in Michigan eligible for COVID vaccine starting April 5
People age 16 to 49 with certain medical conditions or disabilities will qualify starting March 22, when 50-to 64-year-olds can begin getting shots under a previous announcement. Two days later, March 24, a federally selected regional mass vaccination site will open at Detroit’s Ford Field to administer an additional 6,000 doses a day for two months.
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Details:Ford Field in Detroit to become mass vaccination site for Metro Detroit
Michigan has reported more than 2.7 million doses of the COVID-19 administered, as of Wednesday, with 12.1% coverage statewide.
New Today: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s what to know March 13, 2021
All eligible individuals are encouraged to visit Macombgov.org and click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Central link to verify and obtain all the necessary information to get vaccinated.
Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
UNI, IS TO BLAME FOR TONIGHT’S CONFUSION. STACEY: THANK YOU. STARTING MONDAY, THE STATE WILL ALLOW PEOPLE AGE 64 AND YOUNGER WITH CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS TO RECEIVE A COVID-19 VACCINE. BUT THAT WON’T HAPPEN IN POLK COUNTY. KCCI’S LAUREN JOHNSON EXPLAINS WHY IT MAY BE SOME TIME BEFORE THE COUNTY MOVES INTO THAT NEXT TIER LAUREN: THAT’S RIGHT, STACEY. POLK COUNTY IS CONTINUING TO FACE SUPPLY SHORTAGES OF VACCINE. BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID, THEY LOOK LIKE THEY WILL BE MOVING IN THE NEXT TIER SOON. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, GOVERNOR REYNOLDS EXPLAINED WHY THE STATE WILL SOON ALLOW MORE IOWANS TO GET VACCINATED. >> BECAUSE SOME COUNTIES ARE THROUGH THE FIRST TIER, WE’VE OPENED IT UP WHEN YOU’RE THROUGH THAT FOR 64 YEARS OF AGE AND DOWN, IF YOU HAVE UNDERLYING CONDITIONS SO THEY ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A VACCINE AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. LAUREN: THAT WILL INCLUDE IOWANS AGE 64 AND YOUNGER WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING HEART CONDITIONS, OBESITY, CANCER AND DIABETES. BUT POLK COUNTY WON’T BE MOVING INTO THAT NEXT STAGE JUST YET BECAUSE OF VACCINE SHORTAGES. AS OF FRIDAY, A LITTLE MORE THAN 66% OF THIS CURRENT TIER HAS BEEN VACCINATED. THAT NUMBER NEEDS TO BE CLOSER TO 70% FOR THEM TO MOVE ON. >> WE STILL HAVE A POPULATIO WHERE DEMAND IS MUCH GREATER THAN SUPPLY, SO WE FEEL LIKE IT’S VERY VITAL TO STAY IN THE TIERS THAT WE ARE AND MAKE SURE THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE AT LEAST GETTING ONE DOSE. LAUREN: THE CURRENT TIER INCLUDES IOWANS 65 YEARS AND OLDER, FIRST RESPONDERS, SCHOOL STAFF, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITY STAFF AND RESIDENTS. POLK COUNTY SAYS IT WILL KEEP EVALUATING VACCINATION PROGRESS. WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR PROVIDERS TO VACCINATE PEOPLE IN THE NEXT CATEGORY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS IT WILL HAVE TO TRUST PATIENTS WHEN THEY SAY THEY HAVE AN UNDERLYING CONDITION. THE HOPE IS SOMEONE WHO ISN’T ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TIER WON’T JUMP THE LINE. >> WE WOULD NEVER WANT TO DETER AN INDIVIDUAL THAT REALLY NEEDS A VACCINE, BUT WE ALSO WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE SMART DECISIONS. AND IF THEY DO NOT FALL UNDER THE TIER OF AN INDIVIDUAL OF AN UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION, WE WANT THEM TO BE HONEST AND MAKE SMART CHOICES. LAUREN: THAT’S RIGHT. THE POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THAT PEOPLE AND POLK COUNTY DECIDED TO GET THEIR VACCINES HERE, ALSO PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THEIR COUNTIES, THAT IS WHER
After delay, Polk County expands vaccine eligibility
Updated: 10:39 AM CST Mar 11, 2021
After a delay due a backlog of vaccinations in Polk County, health officials said Thursday that Iowans 64 years and under with underlying health conditions can begin to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines starting March 15.Last week, The Polk County Health Department said it would not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities. The state health department said counties could administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk on March 8.“The past two weeks we have seen an increase in our Pfizer allocation, which is incredibly beneficial as additional phases and tiers are opening throughout the state,” said Helen Eddy, Polk County Health Department director. “We’ve had additional conversations with our pharmacy partners, hospitals and clinics and we feel confident and ready to start opening vaccinations in Polk County to 64 years and under with underlying health conditions.” County officials said Phase 1B, Tier 2, eligibility will begin March 22. That tier includes: Farmworkers who work environment or shared short-term housing does not allow of adequate social distancing.Front-line workers employed in the manufacturing and distribution of critical goods necessary for survival whose work environment does not allow for social distancing.Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff.“At Polk County Health Department, we would never turn away community members who are in great need of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Eddy said. “However, we want the community to make smart and honest decisions and not take away COVID-19 vaccines from those with underlying health conditions.”Seniors and individuals 64 years and younger with underlying health conditions who do not have computer or internet access should call 515-323-5221. Individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and those with internet and computer access should continue to monitor vaccine availability at www.vaccinate.iowa.gov.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
After a delay due a backlog of vaccinations in Polk County, health officials said Thursday that Iowans 64 years and under with underlying health conditions can begin to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines starting March 15.
Last week, The Polk County Health Department said it would not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities. The state health department said counties could administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk on March 8.
“The past two weeks we have seen an increase in our Pfizer allocation, which is incredibly beneficial as additional phases and tiers are opening throughout the state,” said Helen Eddy, Polk County Health Department director. “We’ve had additional conversations with our pharmacy partners, hospitals and clinics and we feel confident and ready to start opening vaccinations in Polk County to 64 years and under with underlying health conditions.”
County officials said Phase 1B, Tier 2, eligibility will begin March 22.
That tier includes:
Farmworkers who work environment or shared short-term housing does not allow of adequate social distancing.
Front-line workers employed in the manufacturing and distribution of critical goods necessary for survival whose work environment does not allow for social distancing.
Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff.
“At Polk County Health Department, we would never turn away community members who are in great need of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Eddy said. “However, we want the community to make smart and honest decisions and not take away COVID-19 vaccines from those with underlying health conditions.”
Seniors and individuals 64 years and younger with underlying health conditions who do not have computer or internet access should call 515-323-5221. Individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and those with internet and computer access should continue to monitor vaccine availability at www.vaccinate.iowa.gov.
With the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine providing health officials with an additional option for vaccinating those eligible, CVS announced it will be expanding its vaccination program to nearly 150 more locations in New York, including many in the Hudson Valley.
CVS Pharmacy, which had already been receiving vaccine doses as part of the Federal Pharmacy Program, which are earmarked for specific chains, announced this week that it will be ramping up its vaccination program due to an increased allocation of the vaccine.
Those who are eligible and interested in getting vaccinated are now able to register for appointments, with scheduling beginning as of Friday, March 5, and inoculations planned to begin the following day.
In the Hudson Valley, CVS locations will be scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments in:
Westchester
Ardsley;
Bedford Hills;
Briarcliff Manor;
Bronxville;
Croton-on-Hudson;
Eastchester;
Elmsford;
Harrison;
Katonah;
Larchmont;
Mamaroneck;
Mount Vernon;
New Rochelle;
Peekskill;
Rye;
Rye Brook;
Scarsdale;
Tarrytown;
Thornwood;
Yonkers.
Putnam
Rockland
Dutchess
Ulster County
Orange County
Dutchess
Those eligible to receive the vaccine at CVS must be a New York resident over the age of 65. Teachers, daycare and preschool workers, and staff members are also within the state’s eligibility.
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Nine Latin American countries so far have approved usage of the Sputnik V vaccine — Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Venezuela. Distribution of the vaccine has also begun in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Venezuela.
The vaccine has been approved in 39 countries around the world, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which handles the marketing of the vaccine.
The Sputnik V vaccine has a cheaper list price and can be stored at higher temperatures than the Pfizer vaccine, which has made it appealing to Latin American countries with less-developed economies and infrastructures. It requires two doses taken 21 days apart to be effective.
Argentina became the first Latin American country to distribute the Sputnik V vaccine in late December, with the purchase of up to 25 million doses. The country has already distributed over 600,000 doses.
Since then, Venezuela and Mexico both received shipments of 100,000 and 200,000, respectively, in early February. Nicaragua began distributing the vaccine on March 2 after receiving a donation of an undisclosed amount of doses.
As Russia struggles to keep up with demand, some countries have received only very small shipments. Bolivia received 20,000 Sputnik V doses in January, though it expects enough to eventually vaccinate 2.6 million people. Paraguay announced the purchase of one million doses, but has so far only received 4,000.
Russia has acknowledged the production squeeze and has considered launching regional production hubs in several countries, including Brazil, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Some interest has been expressed in producing the Sputnik V vaccine locally in Latin America. The RDIF recently announced an agreement with Argentina’s Richmond Laboratories to begin producing the vaccine in the country, though it has not yet provided a timeframe for delivery.
Experts have repeatedly voiced concern over transparency around Sputnik’s testing and its accelerated authorization in Russia. However, the vaccine was found 91.6% effective against symptomatic Covid-19 and 100% effective against severe and moderate disease, in an interim analysis of the vaccine’s Phase 3 trial results published in The Lancet.
Reporting contributed by Mitchell McCluskey in Atlanta, Stefano Pozzebon in Bogota, Tatiana Arias in Atlanta and Tim Lister in Spain.
ST. GEORGE — As far as restaurants and bars are concerned in Washington County, physical distancing of patrons is no longer required. That comes after Washington County moved to the “moderate” level of the Utah COVID-19 Transmission Index on Thursday.
Gov. Spencer Cox gestures with his mask, predicting that he would no longer need to wear one on July 4 as he spoke during a press conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Feb. 25, 2021 | Screenshot from Gov. Spencer Cox Facebook page, St. George News
And amid continuing signs like that of both reduced number of COVID-19 infections and more people getting vaccinated, Gov. Spencer Cox predicted that when American flags are waving and fireworks give their red glare on July 4, the people watching below will no longer need to be wearing masks to protect themselves and each other against COVID-19.
“I’m telling you. I’m not going to be wearing this on the 4th of July,” Cox said gesturing to his mask at his weekly COVID-19 press conference at the State Capitol in Salt Lake City. “And I’m going to be in a parade somewhere and we’re going to put them in fireworks or burn them. If I’m wrong, I’ll admit I’m wrong and we’ll adjust.”
Cox set an optimistic tone in the press conference, including once again expanding the eligibility of those who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine a week early. Immediately, people with some high-risk health conditions and comorbidities are eligible for the vaccine.
But with that optimism also came caution. He also said that there was a way his July 4 prediction will not come to pass: If people take the reduction of some COVID-19 restrictions as a green light to ignore all restrictions in place to stem any new surge such as the wearing of masks. Cox said it is important to let people know that the finish line is near so they don’t let up before crossing the finish line.
“Governments exist to protect people, but at some point that changes where people need to take the precautions themselves. One of the main reasons the number has gone down has been people have been doing better behaviors,” Cox said, noting that the one-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic in Utah is approaching. “Everyone is ready for this to be over. There is so much fatigue. I get it. But it’s important for us not to give up on things that have worked when we’re so close. It is important for us to keep doing what works now so we don’t have to do it again.”
As part of that finish line, the Utah Department of Health earlier this week announced the criteria for when the mask mandate would end. According to the new health order, there are two criteria for the mask mandate to be lifted: The state needs to reach 70%, or 1,633,000 residents receiving at least a first dose of the vaccine, while a county can end the mask mandate once it is at a low transmission level in the COVID-19 Transmission Index.
Graphic showing the restrictions under the revised Utah COVID-19 Transmission Index as of Feb. 25, 2021. | Background photo by Pixabay, graphic by Chris Reed, St. George News | Click to enlarge
As of Thursday, 430,918 Utahns have received a first dose. With vaccine supply expected to keep accelerating, Cox said he expects the 70% threshold to be reached by mid-May.
In Southern Utah, Garfield County remains the one area at a low transmission rate a week after first reaching that level.
Washington County joined Garfield on Thursday as the local counties seeing lower transmission rates, and thus fewer restrictions. According to the Utah Department of Health, Washington County now has a test positivity rate of 7.29% and 313.2 people infected with the virus for every 100,000 in population – down from 9.21% and 414.1 the week before.
By moving into the Moderate level, restaurants and bars in Washington County no longer are required to have six feet between tables, though six feet still needs to be maintained in waiting areas and masks must be worn when the patrons aren’t eating.
There are also restrictions that have been lifted in Washington County for live events like movies and live theater, and sporting events. Distancing of six feet no longer needs to be maintained between audience members, though masks must continue to be worn, and food and drink concessions must remain closed (in low transmission areas like Garfield County, concessions can be opened.).
There are no changes for fitness centers in Washington County. Unlike low transmission areas, gyms and fitness centers in moderate areas must maintain 6-foot physical distancing.
Health officials caution that while distancing is no longer required in places like Washington County, it is still recommended, while the wearing of masks remains required.
And while she said she echoes the governor’s optimism about a mask-less Utah by July, state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said getting there will depend if people maintain the behaviors that she said have driven the substantial drop in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the last month.
“It’s certainly possible to get there,” Dunn said of a mask-less July 4. “But to get to that point, we need to keep doing things like wearing masks and distancing. We are not at the point where the vaccine alone will prevent a surge.”
Kane County has worst numbers in the state
While people in Washington County can celebrate some progress against the coronavirus, one area that is far from seeing restrictions lifted is Kane County, which with 30 new cases on Tuesday alone had nearly as many new infections as the much more populated Iron County.
Kane County Jail, Kanab, Utah, Dec. 23, 2016 | Photo by Cami Cox Jim, St. George News
According to the Utah Department of Health, Kane County has a 31.31% test positivity rate and 1258.3 infections per 100,000 – both the worst numbers in the state in each category.
But in the case of Kane County, even those bleak numbers may be deceiving. Much of it, according to a statement by Alan Alldredge of Kane County Emergency Services, can be attributed to an outbreak at the Kane County Jail in Kanab.
“The Kane County Jail was one of the last facilities in the state to remain COVID-free. However, despite our rigid safety protocols, on Feb. 2, we had our first COVID-19 positive test within the inmate population,” Alldredge said. “Since many of the 176 inmates live in a dorm-style section, as anticipated the virus spread quickly.”
As of last Friday, 59 of the 71 active COVID-19 cases in Kane County were inmates at the jail, Alldredge said. According to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, as of Wednesday there were 108 active cases in Kane County, which has a population of 7,484 according to U.S. Census figures.
Some with high-risk conditions now eligible for vaccine
A list of medical conditions that now qualify people to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of Feb. 25, 2021. | Photo courtesy of Utah Office of the Governor, St. George News | Click to enlarge
A week after moving up the eligibility timetable for those ages 65-69 to receive the vaccine, Cox made those with some high-risk health conditions immediately eligible to receive the vaccine.
The governor also removed the restriction where people could only receive the vaccine in the county they reside in, though residents will still need to receive both shots in the same location.
Those with the following high-risk conditions are now eligible to receive the vaccine as long as they are ages 18 or over:
Solid organ transplant recipients
Having had certain cancers
Immunocompromised state including HIV
Severe kidney disease
Uncontrolled diabetes
Obese with a body mass index greater than 40
Hepatitis sufferer
Chronic heart disease, but not high blood pressure
Lung disease besides asthma
Downs syndrome or cerebral palsy
Those who have had strokes or dementia
Those with sickle-cell anemia
In addition, the Federal Drug Administration has now approved the Pfizer vaccine for those 16-18 years of age. Those in that age group with one of the eligible health conditions can receive the vaccine as long as it is the Pfizer vaccine.
That may be difficult in Southern Utah, where the Southwest Utah Public Health Department is only providing the Moderna vaccine at its clinics.
However, as vaccine supplies are going up, so are the number of providers outside the local health department providing the vaccine.
In this file photo, the Albertsons supermarket in St. George, Utah, is seen on March 29, 2020 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Albertsons pharmacies in St. George and Washington City this week joined local Smiths Food and Drug and Walmart outlets providing the vaccine. And Albertsons, which has vaccine appointments available for the first week of March, is currently the only Southern Utah outlet providing Pfizer.
Also providing Pfizer is another provider, national vaccine provider Nomi Health, which is providing the Pfizer vaccine in a partnership to hold mass vaccination clinics at Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres.
Mass clinics are already scheduled for Megaplex Theaters in Northern Utah. However, a spokesperson for Nomi Health told St. George News they were not sure if or when similar mass vaccine clinics will be held at Megaplex theaters in the St. George and Cedar City areas.
Another option coming on is the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which is within a week of FDA approval. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is taken in one, rather than two doses. Dunn said that means it will be more likely to be used in hard-to-reach areas as well as pop-up mobile clinics.
There are other differences from the vaccines already out there: Unlike the other two, which utilize a manufactured mRNA protein, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine could be called an “old school” vaccine using an inert version of the vaccine. That makes the new vaccine harder to manufacture but easier to transport without having to be refrigerated.
State epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn, with the Utah Department of Health, speaks during a press conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Feb. 25, 2021 | Screenshot from Gov. Spencer Cox Facebook page, St. George News
Another clear difference is it is slightly less effective than Pfizer and Moderna: 80% effective at preventing disease as opposed to the 92% of Pfizer and 95% of Moderna.
However, Dunn said other than 16-18 year-olds, there is no reason for people to be shopping around for a particular vaccine as thus far, all of the vaccines – including Johnson and Johnson – have proven 100% effective at keeping COVID-19 from causing death or hospitalization.
“It’s apples and oranges,” Dunn said. “There is no reason to choose one over the other.”
That said, Cox said between assurances from the federal government and manufacturers, there is a lot of vaccine on the way and before the start of the summer, anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get it.
“In a few weeks, we’re going to have more vaccine than we know what to do with,” Cox said. “I think we are underselling the positivity of what is out there.”
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Those who can currently get first dose of the vaccine: Everyone ages 65 and over; K-12 teachers and staff; those that work in nonhospital health care facilities (those in clinics, pharmacies, dentists or other medical offices); and first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs; Those with the following health conditions – Transplant recipients, having had certain cancers, immunocompromised state including HIV, severe kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, obese with a body mass index greater than 40, hepatitis, chronic heart disease, but not high blood pressure, lung disease besides asthma, downs syndrome or cerebral palsy, those who have had strokes or dementia, sickle-cell anemia.
Those who can receive the second dose: Those who received their first injection 28 days or more before the appointment time.
Must register in advance online for an appointment time.
Must have a personal ID, employment ID (if necessary) and wear a short-sleeve shirt at appointment.
Proof of residency is required, though as of Feb. 25 a person does not have to reside in the county they are receiving the vaccine. Part-time residents can get vaccinated with proof of residency.
Vaccines are free of charge.
Those without email addresses or unable to make reservations online can get help at a specialized hotline at 435-986-2549.
Washington County:
Where: St. George Active Life Center, 245 N. 200 West, St George
Reservations: Click to register
Iron County:
Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Cedar City office, 260 DL Sargent Drive, Cedar City.
Reservations: Click to register
Kane County:
Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, 445 N. Main St., Kanab.
Reservations: Click to register
Garfield County:
Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St. Panguitch.
Reservations: Click to register
Beaver County:
Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 75 1175 North, Beaver.
Reservations: Click to register
Albertsons:
Where: 745 N Dixie Dr in St. George and 915 Red Cliffs Dr. in Washington City.
Reservations: Click to register
Smith’s Food and Drug:
Where: 20 N. Bluff St. and 565 S. Mall Drive in St. George and 633 S. Main St. in Cedar City.
Reservations: Click to register
Walmart:
Where: 625 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City and 1330 S. Providence Center Dr. in Cedar City.
Reservations: Click to register
COVID-19 information resources
St. George News has made every effort to ensure the information in this story is accurate at the time it was written. However, as the situation and science surrounding the coronavirus continues to evolve, it’s possible that some data has changed.
Check the resources below for up-to-date information and resources.
Southern Utah coronavirus count (as of Feb. 25, 2020, seven-day average in parentheses)
Positive COVID-19 tests: 26,601 (67.4 new infections per day in seven days, rising since Feb. 19)
Note: County numbers are as of Wednesday.
Washington County: 19,984 (40.6 per day, rising)
Iron County: 4,954 (16.6 per day, rising)
Kane County: 528 (7.1 per day, rising)
Garfield County: 416 (1.6 per day, rising)
Beaver County: 640 (2.1 per day, rising)
New infections for major Southern Utah cities (numbers released ahead of Southern Utah numbers):
Note: Totals are two-day totals
St. George: 54 (steady)
Washington City: 15 (rising)
Hurricane/LaVerkin: 8 (falling)
Ivins City/Santa Clara: 2 (falling)
Cedar City: 30 (falling)
Deaths: 224 (1 per day, falling)
Washington County: 178 (2 new since last report: Female over 85 at home, long-term care female 65-84)
Iron County: 30 (1 new: Male 65-84 at home)
Garfield County: 9
Kane County: 3
Beaver County: 4
Hospitalized: 21 (steady)
Active cases: 1,532 (falling)
Current Utah seven-day average: 723 (falling)
Vaccines shipped to Southern Utah: 55,050 (+13,800)
Number of initial vaccine injections in Southern Utah: 31,361 (+2,043)
Number of fully vaccinated in Southern Utah: 15,581 (+2,407)
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.
Chris Reed serves as weekend editor and reporter for St. George News. He has steadily moved east after growing up among the Valley girls of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. He graduated from Cal State Northridge before spending a decade in Las Vegas. As a sports reporter and editor, he once compared shoe sizes with Shaq. As a news reporter and editor, he has covered parades, triumphs and tragedies. He also once got close to the stars doing publicity for a space module builder. He came to St. George for love and has grown to love the community. He is the proud father of two boys, his youngest a champion against both autism and Type 1 diabetes.
STARTING TODAY MORE PEOPLE IN ALABAMA ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO SIGN UP FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINE AS OF TODAY THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS OPENING UP VACCINATIONS TO INCLUDE PEOPLE 65 AND OLDER PLUS MORE FRONTLINE CRITICAL WORKERS THOSE INCLUDE PEOPLE LIKE TEACHERS MANUFACTURING WORKERS FIRST RESPONDERS ALSO CORRECTION OFFICERS AMONG OTHERS. ALSO MORE MASS VACCINATION SITES. PTHOSE ARE OPENING UP ACROSS THE STATE TO HANDLE THAT EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY POOL. THE HOOVER MET IS NOW IN IT’S FIFTH DAY OF OFFERING THE LIFE SAVING SHOTS. THAT’S WHERE WVTM 13’S JOHN PAPPY IS JOINING US LIVE THIS EVENING WITH AN UPDATE ON THE OPERATIONS THERE NOW JOHN DO WE KNOW HOW MANY SHOTS WERE ADMINISTERED AT THE LOCATION IN THE FIRST WEEK WELL BRIT, YEAH, BRITTANY YOU YOU BE LOOK EXCUSE ME. UAB TELLS ME THAT THEY INJECTED ABOUT 3000 PEOPLE WITH THE VACCINE HERE LAST WEEK AND THEY EXPECT THOSE NUMBERS TO CLIMB. WELL THIS VACCINATION SITE AT THE HOOVER MET STARTED LAST TUESDAY, SO THEY AVERAGE ABOUT 700 TO 800 DOSES A DAY SINCE THEY ARE OPENING EIGHT TO FIVE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY OF THIS WEEK. THEY EXPECT TO VACCINATE AT LEAST 4000 PEOPLE VOLUNTEERS TELLING ME THE FIRST DAY THERE WERE A FEW LOGISTICAL KINKS, BUT BY DAY TWO IT WAS RUNNING LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE MOST ALL WHO SHOWED UP TO GET THEIR SHOTS WERE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO THE VOLUNTEERS AND UAB STAFF THE DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS CAME AWAY WITH A FEELING OF PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE AND THE BATTLE TO DEFEAT THE PANDEMIC IT JUST FELT REALLY GOOD TO BE. A PART OF A PART OF THE VACCINATION EFFORTS AND KNOWING THAT WE’RE MAKING IT LIKE A STAFF CLOSER TO RETURNING TO SOME SORT OF NORMALCY SO THAT WAS REALLY THAT WAS PRETTY AWESOME AGAIN THE CREW HERE WILL BE ADMINISTERING THE VACCINE FOR ANOTHER HOUR COMING UP AT FIVE O’ WALK YOU THROUGH THE VACCINATION PROCESS HERE IN MORE DETAIL AND EXPLAIN WHILE VOLUNTEERING CAN DELIVER AN UNPROMISED LIKE LIFESAVING PERK LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM LIVE IN HERE EXCUSE ME JOHN PAPP TWVTN 13 AND JOHN THANK YOU UAB AND THE PATH CHECK FOUNDATION HAVE PARTNERED TO LAUNCH A GLOBAL INTERACTIVE COVID-19 VACCINATION DASHBOARD SO THIS TRACKS THE UPDATES THE QUANTITY OF VACCINES ADMINISTERED AS LOW AS ON THE STATE LEVEL AND THIS BREAKS DOWN THE BRAND ADMINISTERED TO IN THE POPULATION PERCENTAGES UPDATED EVERY FOUR HOURS WHEN THAT DATA IS AVAILABLE YOU MAYB SAYS THAT THEY’LL INCLUDE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DATA WHENEVER POSSIBLE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO INCLUDE PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS AROUND THINGS SUCH AS HERD IMMUNITY AND BASED ON SUPPLY HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO GET POPULATIONS VACCINATED? YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TO GET YOUR VACCINE. YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE NUMBERS THAT YOU’RE CHECKING OUT HERE ON YOUR SCREEN. THE TOP ONE IS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ANYBODY STATEWIDE AND THE BOTTOM NUMBER YOU SEE H
Alabama expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
Updated: 7:39 PM CST Feb 8, 2021
Alabama is expanding who is eligible to receive immunizations against COVID-19 but health officials cautioned there’s still not enough vaccine for everyone who qualifies for a shot. Beginning Monday, everyone 65 and older; educators; grocery store workers; some manufacturing workers; public transit workers; agriculture employees; state legislators and constitutional officers will be eligible to get vaccinations.Previously only health care workers, first responders, nursing home residents and people 75 and older were eligible.Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, urged people to be patient.—WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Starting February 8, eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations will expand to include people 65 or older and the following groups of frontline workers: First respondersCorrections officersFood and agriculture workersU.S. Postal Service workersManufacturing workersGrocery store workersPublic transit workersPeople who work in the education sector (teachers, support staff, community college and higher education)Childcare workersJudiciary (including but not limited to) circuit judges, district judges and district attorneys ALABAMA VACCINE LINKS: Vaccination Eligibility Check/Scheduling PortalAlabama Vaccination Allocation PlanADPH Drive-Thru/Walk-in ClinicsGet Notified Of Vaccine EligibilityFor a complete list of vaccine providers in Alabama, visit Alabama’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard.Click here for the latest COVID-19 news and numbers in Alabama.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. —
Alabama is expanding who is eligible to receive immunizations against COVID-19 but health officials cautioned there’s still not enough vaccine for everyone who qualifies for a shot.
Beginning Monday, everyone 65 and older; educators; grocery store workers; some manufacturing workers; public transit workers; agriculture employees; state legislators and constitutional officers will be eligible to get vaccinations.
Previously only health care workers, first responders, nursing home residents and people 75 and older were eligible.
Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, urged people to be patient.
—
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Starting February 8, eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations will expand to include people 65 or older and the following groups of frontline workers:
First responders
Corrections officers
Food and agriculture workers
U.S. Postal Service workers
Manufacturing workers
Grocery store workers
Public transit workers
People who work in the education sector (teachers, support staff, community college and higher education)
Childcare workers
Judiciary (including but not limited to) circuit judges, district judges and district attorneys
ALABAMA VACCINE LINKS:
For a complete list of vaccine providers in Alabama, visit Alabama’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard.
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Click here for the latest COVID-19 news and numbers in Alabama.
The County of San Diego today expanded the category of those eligible to include those aged 65 and up.
“As I indicated a few weeks ago, the County anticipated expanding eligibility to individuals 65 years of age and older the week of January 25 as part of the continued focus on those at the greatest risk,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “With a number of health care providers now vaccinating in the age group, and the UC San Diego Health Super Station having a surplus of appointments, the decision was made this afternoon. Appointments are still required and vaccinations are available based on supply.”
More information is at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine and reservations can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com
Only Health Care Workers (Phase 1A, All Tiers) and those 65 and older (Phase 1B, Tier 1) can visit vaccination sites.
Health care workers and those over 65 are encouraged to first contact their doctor or health care provider to request the vaccine, but if none are available, then they should make an appointment for a County site
Appointments are required; walk-ups and drive-ups without appointments will be turned away.
Do not schedule an appointment if you have COVID-19, or are sick. Please follow CDC guidance for those situations
Medical professionals administering the vaccine will be wearing personal protective equipment
