Utah is already offering COVID-19 vaccinations to residents age 65 and older, and now they're preparing to add another eligible group into that mix, reported KSL.
On March 1st, Utahns age 18 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible to get the shot.
Officials say that they expect the number of those coming to receive the shot to be very high, but it's likely that they will be going off the honor system, not requiring proof of preexisting conditions.
Aislyn Tolman-Hill, spokesperson at the Utah County Department of Health, told KSL, "Yes, we absolutely do anticipate a much larger number. At this point, it doesn't look like we're going to be requiring anyone to come in with a doctor's note or any medical records."
Regarding those with medical conditions, Tolman-Hill said, "Let's let them have their chance. Everyone will have their chance eventually. Let's do the right thing. We are asking people truly to go on the honor system here. And to think of others as well."
The Utah County Health Department Website mentions those with the following medical conditions over the age of 18 will be eligible:
- Asplenia including splenectomy or a spleen dysfunction
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (this is also called Class III or severe obesity)
- Chronic heart disease (not hypertension) including chronic heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, and severe valve or congenital heart disease
- Chronic liver disease including chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis or hemochromatosis
- Cancer diagnosed within the last 5 years that began in the blood, bone marrow, or cells in the immune system. This type of cancer is called hematologic cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma).
- Cancer diagnosed within the last 1 year that didn't begin in the blood or bone marrow. This type of cancer is called non-hematologic cancer. (excluding basal and squamous cell cancer diagnoses)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood, bone marrow, or organ transplant; HIV; long-term use of corticosteroids; or other medicines that weaken the immune system
- Neurologic conditions that impair respiratory function, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, progressive cerebellar disease, and quadriplegia or hemiplegia
- Receiving dialysis for severe kidney disease
- Receiving immunosuppression therapy
- Sickle cell disease
- Severe chronic respiratory disease (other than asthma) including severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosing lung disease, bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis
- Solid-organ transplant recipient
- Stage 4 or stage 5 chronic kidney disease
- Stroke and dementia (Alzheimer's, vascular, or frontotemporal)
- Uncontrolled diabetes with an A1c of 9% or higher
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