With the news that Maricopa County Health officials announced plans to start vaccination for Phase 1B prioritized individuals, employees have defined how to schedule their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, ABC15 is learning that appointments will be limited, as most of Monday’s appointments are already filled in, “we’re not just going from 1A vaccinating health professionals to just vaccinating 1B, we’re making a slow transition,” he said. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine with Maricopa County. “Most of the appointments on Monday are already filled by health professionals, so what we were trying to do is open to priority groups in 1B as soon as possible, because we know that people are eager to get vaccinated.”
The vaccination schedule for Phase 1B of Maricopa County is set to begin on January 11, according to the Maricopa County Public Health website.
The eligible populations included in Phase 1B are:
- Primary and secondary school staff and daycare centers
- Law enforcement / protection services *
- Adults aged 75 and over
According to their website, those in Phase 1B must have an appointment to be vaccinated and walk-ins will not be allowed.
To schedule your appointment on the Maricopa County Health Department pre-selection website, starting January 11, click here.
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The pre-screening website states that priority will be given to those who meet certain requirements and participants will be notified when the vaccine is available, according to the website from January 7.
County health officials ask Phase 1B prioritized individuals to provide the following details on the day of their appointment:
- Commitment confirmation
- A form of identification confirming your employment in Phase 1B, such as a work permit or paycheck, or an identity card that shows your age if you are 75 years or older.
The county health website also indicated that those who work in law enforcement / protection services or who work in education should check with their employers before making an appointment with the county health pre-check website. Employers may have more information about other vaccine distribution plans based on an individual’s employment, the website says.
With limited availability of the vaccine, health officials said it is their highest priority to ensure that each eligible resident of Maricopa County has access to receive their vaccines.
According to its website, adults living in community settings and other essential workers will be prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1B after the groups listed above.
Maricopa County said at a news conference on Wednesday that those who will be eligible for 1B will complete a simplified registration process that will be posted on the website on Monday for an interview and then they will need something to prove their age or job.
Sunenshine said that as the county receives more Modern vaccines, they will be allocated to primary care providers: “At the moment, we want to make sure that we provide them to providers who can provide as many people as possible, such as health centers and pharmacies qualified by the federal government “
Arizona AARP state director Dana Kennedy says it is a logistical nightmare to plan vaccines for people over 75.
Kennedy said the county sought her out for help, “we want to make sure that this is the top priority and that they think about how they can get this population sooner or later and make it as safe and easy as possible.”
AARP plans to help reach its members with more information with a ROBOcall and post more information on its website that the general public can see and information about vaccines.
Kennedy said they may have volunteers and that there will be other organizations to help the elderly who have no family or do not know how to navigate the site.
Maricopa County telling us on Thursday that those eligible in 1B should not attempt to register until the site goes live on Monday, “Currently systems reserve people for the same day, if bookings are available that day , or in advance, “a spokesman wrote.
Along with advocates like Kennedy working to bring information to people over 75, the county says there will be a phone number.
“Public Health is also working with organizations connected to some 283,000 people over 75 years of age to ensure that they receive information at the appropriate time,” says a statement.
ABC15 asked when we can expect to see more locations than what the county has opened for vaccines.
“As operations grow to support Phase 1B vaccination efforts, we anticipate that more vaccination options outside of POD sites will be available to prioritized groups soon. This may include vaccinations in pharmacies for people aged 75 and over and employer-based vaccination events through private providers. Public Health is working closely with state and local partners to facilitate agreements that will allow the vaccine to be allocated for these types of distribution efforts. More information will be released as soon as it is available, ”Maricopa County officials said in an email response.
According to the county spokesman, more appointments will be available when:
- More vaccine doses are available
- Other POD locations complete their second dose appointments so that additional appointments can be opened for Phase 1B individuals