PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services announced that it is opening the COVID-19 vaccination to more people in our state, aged 55 and over, eligible to make an appointment at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium starting Tuesday market.
ADHS says it plans to continue its age-based approach to protect those most at risk, and is including Arizonans 55 and above alongside essential frontline workers in its latest expansion in the Phoenix metropolitan area. According to state data, 90% of COVID-19 deaths and 65% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arizona are people aged 55 and over.
SECTION: COVID-19 vaccine in Arizona
“This critical update provides more clarity for Arizonans and will result in the rapid administration of the vaccine to our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Ducey in a statement. “Continuing to vaccinate older Arizonans against COVID-19 will help protect those at risk and will cover most Arizonans with chronic medical conditions. And this hybrid approach will ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine to our frontline employees who are working with the public every day. “
About 50,000 vaccination slots at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium will open at 12 noon on Tuesday for those 55 and older for appointments starting on Thursday. Consultations can be scheduled at pharmacies and health centers qualified by the federal government that participate in federal vaccination programs.
State officials say that with the opening of the age group to people aged 55 and over, the vaccine prioritization category will include between 56-66% of Arizonans with high-risk diseases.
The ADHS says they will move on to the next age category, people aged 45 or older, when they have at least 55% of eligible vaccinates or when they feel there is no more demand.
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Data on the percentage of the population vaccinated by age group will be added to the AZDHS website, officials say. It is unclear when this data will appear.
“As more vaccines arrive in Arizona, we will continue to refine our plan to maximize the benefits of this still-limited resource,” said ADHS Director, Dr. Cara Christ, in a statement. “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 will be eligible to be vaccinated.”