Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control say anyone over the age of 65, or adults who live or work in high-risk environments are eligible to receive a booster dose.
Governor Cox said on Thursday he’s opening up eligibility to all adults in the state because almost all Utah counties, with the exception of Rich, Daggett, and Piute counties, are classified as areas of high COVID-19 transmission, according to the Utah Department of Health.
“We are asking all providers to provide boosters to any adult in the state of Utah who would like to receive a booster, since we are in a high-risk situation,” he said.
All adults can receive booster shots starting Friday, November 19th.
Cox said ongoing confusion around who is actually eligible for a booster dose was the motivation behind the decision. He said he wanted to provide clarity before the holiday season.
“Unfortunately, the whole booster discussion has been very confusing to most people," added Cox. "We just want to make it very simple, especially as we’re heading into the holiday season. We know that families are going to be together, especially with higher risk grandparents and others, and we want people to be as safe as possible.”
The Utah Department of Health says over 280,000 Utahns have already received booster shots. State Epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen said Utah’s high number of daily infections, which has held steady between 1,200 and 1,600 per day since late August, points towards herd immunity still being an elusive target.
“The spread that we’re seeing right now says that herd immunity is not here," Nolen said. "We need more. I think it’s something that we’re watching, but right now, our transmission suggests we’re not there yet.”
Both Nolen and Cox said the best way to lower case rates and achieve herd immunity is through vaccinations. They encouraged all vaccinated adults to get a booster shot. Regular vaccines are currently available to anyone over the age of five. To find a vaccine location near you, click here.
