COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Utah, but next 45-60 days will be the toughest

SALT LAKE CITY – A COVID-19 vaccine could arrive in Utah as early as December 15.

FOX 13 first announced the date on Thursday morning. It was later announced by the Utah Department of Health when the agency confirmed it had placed its initial order for the vaccine.

But until it becomes widely available to everyone by this summer, the Utahns will need to continue to wear headgear, stay at least six feet from others, limit social gatherings, and practice good hygiene. .

“The next few months, perhaps the next 45 to 60 days could be the most difficult time of all,” Governor Gary Herbert told reporters at a press conference Thursday. “As we see the cases increase, the infection rates increase.”

WATCH: Intermountain, U of U Health releases plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The governor warned that winter could be the toughest of the COVID-19 pandemic, as colder temperatures push people indoors and a lack of physical distance could trigger an increase in cases of the deadly virus. Already, Utah is seeing an increase in cases that matches the Thanksgiving holiday.

The state is spending $ 700,000 per month on overflow beds in long-term care facilities for patients with COVID-19 to help alleviate the situation in overcrowded hospitals, Governor Herbert said. On Thursday, the ICU capacity of Utah’s 16 best-equipped hospitals to treat patients with COVID-19 was nearly 89%.

Governor Herbert on Thursday kept all of his public health orders intact, including a statewide mask mandate and limits on social gatherings (fewer than 10 people in areas deemed high on the state transmission). The tests were developed in colleges, universities and high schools.

Russ Slade, FOX 13 News

But ahead of the upcoming holidays, the governor signaled he was not likely to implement tougher measures like he did before Thanksgiving. He said it was difficult to apply and thought they couldn’t tell the Utahns what to do in their home.

“That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea,” he said of the social gatherings.

TIMELINE: When will you receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Meanwhile, the state and health care providers in Utah are considering starting to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said state epidemiologist Dr Angela Dunn. “So we really need to stay stable over the next few months. Wear our masks, try to keep as much as possible our close contact with our household, take physical distances and, of course, if you haven’t already, get vaccinated. “

READ: Most Utahns wear masks, but don’t practice social distancing

Utah’s two largest health care providers held a joint press conference Thursday where they unveiled plans for vaccine distribution. Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health said they plan to receive thousands of doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer in mid-December.

Because it requires extremely cold temperatures to be stored, it will be distributed among the five state hospitals best equipped to handle it (LDS, University of Utah, Intermountain Medical Center, Utah Valley Regional and Dixie Regional) . Priority will be given to healthcare workers, including pharmacy and housekeeping staff, who work directly with patients with COVID-19. They will create ephemeral clinics to administer the first doses to 750 people per day.

“We are really targeting healthcare workers who have been on the front lines caring for patients with COVID since March,” said Dr. Jeanmarie Mayer, chief infection prevention officer at the University of Utah Health.

As FOX 13 first reported in October, the Utah Department of Health had scheduled the vaccine to be distributed in waves based on priorities. For example, long-term care facility workers are expected to be in the initial wave, and then they will branch out into other first responders, essential workers and ultimately the general public by the time. ‘summer.

The UDOH estimated a wide distribution by July. It is possible that Utah will receive multiple brands of vaccine, the schedule may be accelerated. It requires two doses and doctors have warned that it may also require a booster shot.

Until then, Utahns will have to remain cautious as the virus will continue to spread.

“We will continue to need to practice and be vigilant until we can ensure that the virus is no longer circulating in our communities,” said Dr Tamara Sheffield, Medical Director of Intermountain Healthcare Community Health and Prevention.