The syringes containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are sitting on a tray in the vaccination room at St. John’s Hospital. Joseph of Orange, California, Thursday, January 7, 2021. (Photo AP / Jae C. Hong)
PHOENIX: Metro Phoenix will be in the initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution phase of phase 1B next week.
Because dose supply has been limited, health care providers follow priority plans designed to ensure effective and fair distribution.
Maricopa County began firing on Dec. 1A populations on Dec. 16. On Friday morning the county reported that it had completed 68,892 doses.
To date, vaccines developed by Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna have obtained federal approval for emergency use. Both require two spaced shots of several weeks to achieve full effectiveness.
Phase 1A priority for the Phoenix area ended on Sunday. This group includes front-line health workers, emergency medical and staff workers, and residents in long-term care centers.
Four Arizona counties – Gila, Pinal, Apache and Mohave – are already in Phase 1B. Yuma County said it would move to 1B on Monday, while Pima County was aiming to finish next week.
Here’s what we know about Maricopa County’s move to Phase 1B:
- Appointments will be required and places will be limited. The 1B online scheduling system will be activated at 6 a.m. Monday. Information on how to register will be posted here at that time, the county said.
- Phase 1B includes two levels. Only priority level groups (K-12 school staff and child care workers, protection and police service staff, and adults 75 years of age or older) may register on Monday.
- Initially, Phase 1B shots will only be given at the county’s five established distribution points, plus a new 24-hour location at Glendale State Farm Stadium. Reservations will be limited to time slots not reserved for Phase 1A people who get their second shots.
- People in 1A will be able to register during phase 1B, but will no longer have priority over other eligible populations.
- Finally, the county plans to add more options to groups eligible to receive vaccines, which could include pharmacies and employer-based vaccination events.
- There is no timetable for when the rest of phase 1B (adults living in congregated environments and workers classified as essential) or later phases become eligible for vaccination.