New COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Awaits Approval in Utah as Cases Rise
SALT LAKE CITY — As new COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Utah, doctors’ offices and health departments are eagerly awaiting the approval of a new COVID-19 vaccine booster that is on the verge of distribution.
The Salt Lake County Health Department is advising people to take an additional step before using an at-home COVID-19 test if they are feeling sick. Along with getting a COVID-19 booster, health officials recommend taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Nicholas Rupp, the communications director for the Salt Lake County Health Department, expressed concern over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the county. He emphasized the importance of prevention and encouraged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
At the University of Utah Health, doctors are witnessing a surge in patients seeking treatment for COVID-19. Dr. Russell Vinik, the chief medical operations officer at University of Utah Health, stated that some patients have mild symptoms, while others require hospitalization due to severe pneumonia.
As the number of COVID-19 cases rises, University of Utah Health is eagerly awaiting the distribution of the new vaccine booster. Dr. Vinik believes that the booster will be effective against the most recent variants of COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration approved the booster on Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory committee has called for its widespread use.
Although the booster may not provide 100% protection, Dr. Vinik compared it to wearing a seat belt in a car. It may not prevent accidents, but it can significantly reduce the severity of the consequences.
Both the Salt Lake County Health Department and University of Utah Health are waiting for approval to distribute the booster. If approved, the first doses could be available by the end of September.
In addition to the booster vaccine, health officials are urging individuals to check the expiration dates on their at-home COVID-19 tests. Nicholas Rupp clarified that many tests have had their expiration dates extended by the government. People can find the new expiration dates by searching for the test manufacturer and lot number on the FDA website.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services also emphasizes the importance of staying updated on vaccines for COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). COVID-19 epidemiologist Josh Benton advises individuals who feel sick, even if they test negative for COVID-19, to stay home and avoid contact with others.
Mask-wearing is recommended for at-risk individuals, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, and for those in close contact with them. Nicholas Rupp has already begun wearing masks at crowded indoor events as a precaution.
Rupp compared COVID-19 to other fall respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, stating that while many people will recover from it, not everyone will. He emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of the virus.
As Utah awaits the approval and distribution of the COVID-19 booster vaccine, health officials are urging individuals to take preventive measures and stay informed about available vaccines.