PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services has announced that it will open COVID-19 vaccines to more people in our state, with people 55 and older eligible to make an appointment at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Stadium from Tuesday.
ADHS says it plans to continue its age-based approach to protecting those most at risk, and includes Arizonans 55 and older along with essential front-line workers in its latest expansion in the Phoenix subway area. According to state data, 90% of COVID-19 deaths and 65% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arizona are those 55 years of age or older.
SECTION: COVID-19 Vaccine in Arizona
“This critical update provides more clarity to Arizonans and will result in rapid administration of the vaccine to our most vulnerable populations,” Governor Ducey said in a statement. “Continuing to vaccinate older Arizonans against COVID-19 will help protect those at risk and cover most Arizonans with chronic medical conditions. And, this hybrid approach will ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine to our front-line workers who they work every day with the public ”.
About 50,000 vaccination slots at State Farm Farm and Phoenix Municipal Stadium will open Tuesday at 12 p.m. for those 55 and older for appointments starting Thursday. Appointments can be scheduled at federally qualified pharmacies and health centers that participate in federal immunization programs.
State officials say with the opening of the age group to 55 years or older, the vaccine prioritization category will include between 56-66% of Arizonans with high-risk medical conditions.
ADHS says they will move to the next age category, people aged 45 or over, when they have at least 55% of eligible vacancies or when they consider there is no longer any demand.
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Data on the percentage of vaccinated population by age category will be added to the AZDHS website, according to officials. It is unclear when this data will appear.
“As more vaccine arrives in Arizona, we will continue to refine our plan to maximize the benefits of this still limited resource,” Dr. Cara Christ, director of ADHS. “Moving to a hybrid approach will allow us to administer the vaccine quickly and efficiently and provide all Arizonans with a clearer estimate of when they may be vaccinated.”