COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada
UPDATED: 6/3
Utah COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
Vaccine appointments are available for Utahns who are 12 and older.
Schedule your vaccine appointment at an Intermountain Pharmacy here.
- For scheduling support, call 877-777-0566. Scheduling support is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
Vaccine appointments are available for Idahoans who are 12 and older.
Here are two ways to schedule your appointment:
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccinationNevada COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
We receive limited doses of the vaccine from the Southern Nevada Health District and are notifying our senior patients through a direct outreach campaign. Seniors will receive a survey asking if they wish to receive the vaccine, and if they opt to participate, will receive a call from our care team to get scheduled in one of our clinic locations.
The COVID-19 vaccine may also be offered by other community partners based on state guidelines and appointment availability.
Scheduling for Nevada counties can be done by calling 800-401-0946 or visiting this website.
Blog articles on COVID-19 Vaccines
What To Do Right Now
As we find our way out of the pandemic, keep masking, social distancing, and practicing other prevention behaviors so we can keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy. Vaccines will:
- Prevent you from getting COVID-19 and its risks and complications
- Reduce the number of people infected by COVID-19 throughout the community
- Someday get us back to normal life
The vaccine prevents infection, hospitalization, chronic illness, and death. It will also give communities a chance at herd immunity to make person-to-person spread unlikely.
What can I do until vaccines are widely distributed?
Support all other prevention methods. Masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene guidelines should be followed for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals until healthcare guidance changes. We don’t yet know how long vaccines will be effective, so all prevention methods should be followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read the frequently asked questions, click on a topic below.
General Vaccine Questions
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Safety is Intermountain Healthcare’s top priority. We are confident that COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the same rigorous safety testing as all other vaccines authorized for use in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Intermountain is in contact with local, state, and national health and infection prevention experts and will remain up to date on the safety, effectiveness, availability, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Read more about what’s being done to ensure vaccine safety.How much does the vaccine cost?
Nothing. Intermountain will bill a patient’s insurance for the administration of the vaccine to cover the costs of the medical professional and logistics of providing the vaccine. For uninsured patients, the cost is billed to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. The vaccine itself (the syringe contents) is funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars and will be provided at no cost to the person getting vaccinated.What should I expect at my first vaccine appointment?
You and your healthcare worker will need to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth. You should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, where you received it, and information on when to get your second dose. You should also receive a fact sheet that tells you more about your specific COVID-19 vaccine, including its risks and benefits. Block out a little time, as you will wait in a monitoring area for about 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for rare adverse reactions.When will it start to work?
Your body will need a little time to build immunity. Full protection will take a week or two after your final dose. Before then, and even after the final vaccine, it’s still possible to become infected.Which vaccine should I get?
All of the available vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) have so far have shown to be safe, help protect against COVID-19 infection, and prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. It’s recommended to get the vaccine that’s available to you, regardless of which vaccine it is.Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
No. You should wait at least 14 days before or after receiving a different vaccine.What if I have an imaging, screening, or mammogram appointment coming up?
Swollen lymph nodes may occur on the same side of the vaccine, so Intermountain Breast Care Services recommends that patients who have received the vaccine wait four weeks after the administration of the second dose before undergoing any type of breast imaging.What do I do until it's my turn for vaccination?
Keep protecting yourself and others. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and keep washing your hands -- even after you get vaccinated. We don’t yet know how long vaccines will be effective, so all prevention methods should be followed.Can I go back to “normal” after I am fully vaccinated?
Not quite yet. While we work toward herd immunity (enough people in the community are vaccinated to slow the spread) and wait to learn how long the vaccine remains effective, we must all continue to follow preventive measures. But you’ll feel confident that you’re safer doing things like visiting the grocery store or the library, with a mask on, of course. Once more people in your circle are vaccinated, you might begin to socialize more, even indoors. But some people may still want or need to postpone things like taking a flight or eating in a restaurant until more people in our community have acquired immunity. This is for our safety (remember, the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective) and the safety of others.Will my vaccination card get me access to places I couldn’t go before?
It’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Right now, proof of vaccination is not being required to gain entry to places like restaurants or movie theaters -- but now is still not the time to be going to crowded nightclubs or packed flights anyway. The purpose of the card is informational. It’s a record of which vaccine you received and when you’re due for your second dose.Where do I find vaccine information I can trust?
You may love social media, but it might not always have the most reliable source of pandemic information. Stick to information from the Centers for Disease Control, the Utah Department of Health, the World Health Organization, or the information we publish at Intermountain Healthcare and on Intermountain social media channels.The Importance of the Vaccine
Is the vaccine really necessary?
We need to use every tool available to stop the spread of COVID-19. Herd immunity happens when a large portion of a community (the “herd”) becomes immune to a disease, making person-to-person spread of illness unlikely. This helps protect the whole community, including people like newborns who can’t get the vaccine. Early evidence suggests that natural immunity that occurs after infection with the illness doesn’t last long. That means vaccines are the only way to reach herd immunity.I think I’d rather develop immunity by getting COVID-19 than from getting the vaccine. Is that a good idea?
No, and here’s why:
- While many people think the odds are in their favor that they would have mild symptoms of COVID-19, the fact is that people of all ages can have a serious, even deadly, case of the disease.
- Even if you do have mild symptoms, you can still pass the disease to others, who may not be so lucky.
- We still don’t know the long-term health issues that may follow a case of COVID-19 infection.
Which lasts longer, immunity after getting COVID-19 or protection from the vaccine?
For now, we don’t know. The immunity gained from having and recovering from COVID-19 (called natural immunity) varies from person to person. Early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long. Some vaccines do produce better immune protection than infection. We need more data before we will know how long immunity produced by the COVID-19 vaccination will last.Who Should Get Vaccinated
Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the vaccine?
Almost everyone should get the vaccine. The only reasons not to get vaccinated are if:- You had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine;
- You’ve had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine;
- You are under age 12;
- Your doctor tells you not to.
Should children and adolescents get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC's advisory committee recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people age 12 and over in the United States, and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for people age 18 and older, stating they found it was safe and effective. Vaccine studies are now being conducted in younger adolescents, but there are currently no approved uses of the vaccines in adolescents younger than 12 years.Should I get the vaccine if I’m infected now or had COVID-19 in the past?
Yes, but not right away. If you test positive for COVID-19, Intermountain and CDC experts recommend you wait 10 days before getting your first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Similarly, if after the first dose of the vaccine you test positive for COVID, wait 10 days after your symptoms started before getting the second dose so that you finish your quarantine (isolation) period. If you become infected with COVID after you have had one dose, there is no problem going beyond the 21- or 28-day minimum to get your second dose of vaccine, but the CDC recommends getting it within 42 days of the first dose to ensure best response.
Should I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
Pregnant women may choose to be vaccinated, but so far the vaccines have not been tested or trialed among pregnant women. Here is what the CDC says: “The COVID-19 vaccine, like other vaccines, works by training our bodies to develop antibodies to fight against the virus that causes COVID-19, to prevent future illness. There is currently no evidence that antibodies formed from COVID-19 vaccination cause any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of ANY vaccine. People who are trying to become pregnant now or who plan to try in the future may receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.”
What if I’m breastfeeding?
There’s no data yet on the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on lactating women, breastfed infants, or milk production. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfeeding infants. People who are breastfeeding and are part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated. This is a question to discuss with your physician.
Is it safe to get a vaccine if I have an underlying medical condition?
Yes. It’s especially important for people with underlying medical conditions because of their increased risk for severe illness from the disease. The only people who should not be vaccinated are individuals who have had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Read more about vaccination considerations for people with medical conditions including weakened immune systems, autoimmune conditions, people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome and more.
Can my employer require me to get the vaccine?
According to the Utah Department of Health, employers in general can set conditions of employment that include vaccination. But there are exceptions, including when an individual has a medical condition or disability that prevents vaccination (protection offered under the Affordable Care Act) or sincerely held religious beliefs against vaccines (protection offered under the Civil Rights Act). In such cases, an employer can require alternatives such as working from home, wearing a mask with physical distancing, etc. Employees with questions should talk to their human resources department or visit https://jobs.utah.gov/employer/legal.html for more information.
Does immigration status affect my ability to get the vaccine?
No. Your personal information is confidential and protected by law.
Benefits and Risks of the COVID Vaccine
Are there side effects?
Side effects are a normal sign that your body is building protection from a vaccine. You may have slight pain, swelling, or redness at the site of injection. Less common side effects may include mild fever, chills, feeling tired, headache, and muscle or joint aches. These effects should go away within one to two days.
Swollen lymph nodes may occur on the same side of the vaccine -- so Intermountain Breast Care Services recommends that patients who have received the vaccine wait 4 weeks after the administration of the 2nd dose before undergoing any type of breast imaging.
Could I have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine?
It’s possible, but rare. A health professional will monitor you after your vaccine to watch for signs of allergic reaction. If you have allergies, talk to your doctor before being vaccinated. Common allergies like hay fever or food allergies should not stop you from getting vaccinated. Signs of severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, and/or a bad rash all over your body.Should I get the second dose if I had side effects after the first?
Yes. You should skip the second dose only if instructed to by a vaccination provider or your doctor.Has anyone died from the vaccine?
No. The CDC, FDA, and other organizations investigating potential adverse reactions have found no evidence linking the vaccine to a death. You may hear news reports that concern you, but it’s important to remember that deaths occur naturally -- even among people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and FDA monitor every report of adverse reaction and will make their findings transparent.After You're Vaccinated
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms after vaccination?
Regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should isolate and get tested right away.
Can I still spread the virus to other people after I’m vaccinated for COVID-19?
We’re not sure if in addition to stopping you from getting sick, the vaccine also can prevent you from passing the virus on to others. For now, it’s important to follow prevention measures: masking, distancing, and hand washing.Will I test positive for COVID-19 after being vaccinated?
None of the vaccines currently in use or being studied in trials can cause you to test positive on viral tests, although you may test positive on certain antibody tests. Viral tests tell you if you are currently infected; antibody tests tell you if you were infected in the past. People needing antibody testing should use tests that are not impacted by previous vaccination.
Where does Intermountain Healthcare record vaccines?
Intermountain participates in the Utah Statewide Immunization Information System (USIIS), a confidential, population‐based computerized system that records immunization doses administered by participating facilities to persons residing in Utah. You can use Intermountain Healthcare’s My Health+ digital health app to access confirmation that you received your COVID-19 vaccine.
What should I do if I don’t want my vaccination recorded within the state of Utah?
USIIS is an “opt‐out” system, requiring individuals who do not want their or their child’s immunizations in USIIS to request to opt-out of the system. An individual or parent/guardian may withdraw their participation from the system at any time. Individuals or parents/guardians may obtain a withdrawal form by contacting the Utah Department of Health or by visiting the USIIS website. Withdrawal forms should be submitted directly to the Utah Department of Health.
Vaccine Background
How does the vaccine work?
Vaccines help the body by training the immune system to recognize and respond to the disease-causing part of a virus. Vaccines traditionally contain weakened or inactivated (killed) viruses, but the COVID-19 vaccines are different. These vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) to teach our cells to make part of a harmless protein called a “spike protein.” That triggers an immune response and produces antibodies that keep us from getting infected if we encounter the real virus. After learning their lesson, cells will break down the mRNA and get rid of it. Then your body will have the tools it needs to defend itself from the virus.Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. The mRNA vaccines do not include live virus and cannot give someone COVID-19.
Can the vaccine alter my DNA?
No. The mRNA from the vaccine doesn’t enter the nucleus of the cell, where our DNA lives. That means the mRNA and DNA never interact. Instead, our bodies destroy and get rid of the mRNA after learning how to fight the virus.
Does mRNA have a good track record?
Researchers have studied mRNA for use in vaccines and cancer therapy for more than a decade. Researchers are excited about the technology, which can speed vaccine development because it uses readily available materials and, in the future, may be able to target several diseases with a single vaccine, saving us from multiple injections. mRNA vaccines have been studied for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus.
Do these vaccines work against new strains of the virus?
Viruses change and form new variants over time. Based on the data scientists have right now, the vaccines are protective against the new variants of COVID-19, but possibly not as highly protective. Scientists at the pharmaceutical companies will continue to do more studies and tests to learn as much as we can about how the vaccine protects us from any new variants.
How are COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out so quickly?
The CDC and other national organizations partnered to form Operation Warp Speed, an initiative to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccine program safely. Usually, it takes years to deliver a new vaccine, but Operation Warp Speed drastically reduced that timeframe to just months. The key has been to work on several things – developing, testing, and manufacturing – all at once, rather than in the traditional way of waiting until one step in the process is complete before starting another one.
J&J vaccines: As of April 25, 2021, the CDC and FDA recommend that the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J or Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine resumes in the United States, after a temporary pause. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH), following this direction, has lifted the statewide pause. Per CDC and FDA guidance, the J&J vaccine’s benefits outweigh its known and potential risks. Women 18-50 should be aware of the associated risk of thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and follow CDC guidance and answers to common questions.
Intermountain Healthcare looks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), and state departments of health for guidance, prioritization, and timing of vaccines.