The United States has started to distribute the novel coronavirus vaccine, and it’s already reached millions of people.
What’s going on?
New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more than 2.1 million people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 so far.
- More than 11 million vaccine doses have been distributed, according to the CDC. This is a sign that more vaccinations are on the way.
Health care providers report doses to state, territorial, and local public health agencies up to 72 hours after administration, according to the CDC. This may lead to a reporting lag between the state or territory and the CDC.
- “A large difference between the number of doses distributed and the number of doses administered is expected at this point in the COVID vaccination program due to several factors, including delays in reporting of administered doses, management of available vaccine stocks by jurisdictions, and pending launch of vaccination through the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.” according to the CDC.
What’s happening in Utah?
The Utah Department of Health announced Monday that COVID-19 vaccines will be available for Utah residents who are ages 75 and older in mid-February, according to the Deseret News. Essential workers will no longer be moved up the line to receive the vaccine.
Dr. Todd Vento, an Intermountain Healthcare infectious disease physician, said this decision will make a huge impact.
- “That’s really key,” Vento said. “If you think about it, which population is at most risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death? That group. Age is probably your greatest risk factor for a severe infection. And a severe infection translates into more hospitalizations and translates into more deaths.”