The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more accessible in Arizona pharmacies
More people are about to be vaccinated against coronavirus in Arizona, as people aged 65 and over can now receive the vaccine and doses are being delivered to pharmacies, expanding accessibility.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – Access to Vaccine for covid-19 has expanded dramatically this week in Maricopa County, as anyone aged 65 and over can apply. They also have several other locations to choose from, as pharmacies have received doses of vaccines.
Anyone aged 65 and over can apply for a vaccine appointment at nearly 200 pharmacies in Maricopa County. This is part of Federal Vaccine Program for Pharmacies who allocated 20,000 doses to Arizona pharmacies.
Bethany Home Discount Pharmacy in Glendale is one of nearly 200 pharmacies in Arizona that now distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the weekend, they distributed 100 doses and hope to vaccinate hundreds more in the coming weeks.
“We are receiving 400 vaccines and have already booked all of these vaccines in advance,” says Sateesh Ananthu, owner of Bethany Home Discount Pharmacy.
Patients can go online or call the pharmacy directly to make an appointment.
“Easy for the older community, people who don’t have access to the Internet or computers,” said Ananthu. “The best way is to enter the pharmacy because of the overwhelming calls.”
Will Humble with the Arizona Public Health Association agrees that it should be easier for people to get the vaccine. “Really getting the vaccine to people, instead of getting people to the vaccine, which is what it has been up to now.”
Fry’s, Safeway, Walgreens and CVS locations are distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to local pharmacies.
The big shift in scheduling appointments is completely bypassing the Arizona Department of Health Services online scheduling system.
“It is an alternative route for vaccination. Bypass the state’s computer system and reach its community,” said Humble.
Local pharmacies say shipments of the vaccine scheduled to be delivered this week have been delayed because of the severe winter in central and eastern parts of the country, so some consultations this week may have to be postponed.
Click here for a list of COVID-19 vaccine locations https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations