Covid-19 Vaccination Begins in Southwest Utah

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) has begun receiving shipments of COVID-19 vaccine for distribution in Washington, Iron, Kane, Beaver, and Garfield counties. Supplies are limited and will be offered to priority groups at clinics in each county, by online registration. Major hospitals have already been vaccinating their staff.

Priority groups will be served in this order:

• Non-hospital healthcare workers in clinics (medical, dental, mental health, etc.), pharmacies, etc. (this group can now register to get vaccinated at swuhealth.org/covid-vaccine)
• Healthcare workers in long-term/assisted living/skilled nursing facilities (may be offered on site by vaccine providers).
• School staff.
• First responders.
• Long-term care facility staff and residents who have not been vaccinated.
• General public; prioritized by age, medical conditions, and other risk factors.

The SWUPHD will be offering vaccines at indoor, walk-in clinics in each county. For dates, locations, and eligible groups, visit swuhealth.org/covid-vaccine and follow swuhealth on Facebook and Instagram.

COVID-19 vaccines developed by several companies are being shipped following FDA approval, and we will be offering whatever supplies we get as soon as possible. Most brands will require a second dose for the most effective immunity and will be at no cost to our residents due to insurance coverage or grants for the uninsured.

It will likely take several months to get through the list, so we continue to stress the importance of maintaining precautions in the meantime to protect our vulnerable populations and hospitals (staying home if sick, social distancing, wearing masks appropriately, and hand washing).

Although COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and highly effective, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends consulting your doctor first if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to an injectable, and not getting vaccinated if you are allergic to an ingredient in any vaccine.

Vaccination procedures may change as we go forward, so stay informed through swuhealth.org and other trusted sources. Vaccines may also be offered through other community providers in the future. For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine.