Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is surging in Utah, but on Monday, Utah County couldn’t fill hundreds of appointment slots it had available on its website.
Utah County Health Department spokeswoman Aislynn Tolman-Hill said it’s the first time the county has seen less demand for the vaccine.
Meanwhile, the Salt Lake County Health Department’s website says its vaccination appointments are full through Feb. 27.
According to Utah’s coronavirus dashboard, Utah County administered 5,545 vaccines on Friday and 8,040 on Saturday, the most recent data available. Overall, the county has administered 66,208 doses.
On Monday, Tolman-Hill speculated that many Utah County residents just aren’t aware that vaccination appointments are available. She said that those who see the county’s announcements about available appointments might already be vaccinated, so health officials are looking at other ways to get the word out.
Aside from announcements on social media and the health department’s website, Tolman-Hill said Utah County residents can opt to receive text message alerts when vaccination appointments become available by texting UCHEALTH to 888777.
She added Monday’s unused vaccine doses won’t go to waste, though — they’re being reallocated for use later this week.
Utah County residents who are eligible — that is, first responders, health care employees and residents age 70 and older — to receive the coronavirus vaccine can sign up for an appointment here.
