Maricopa County officials said they will begin Phase 1B vaccinations and open a schedule for these priority individuals starting next week.
According to the Maricopa County Public Health website, the vaccination schedule will open on Jan. 11.
Eligible populations included in Stage 1B are:
- K-12 school staff and daycare workers
- Law enforcement / protective services *
- Adults aged 75 and over
County health officials said health professionals who were eligible from Phase 1A who still need to schedule their initial appointments can do so, but will not be prioritized over other currently eligible individuals in Phase 1B.
Given the limited availability of vaccines, health officials said their top priority is to ensure that every eligible Maricopa County resident has access to receive their vaccines.
Adults living in a common environment and other essential workers will be given priority for Stage 1B vaccination after the groups listed above, according to their website.
According to Dr. Francisco Garcia, the deputy administrator of Pima County and the Chief Medical Officer of Pima County, the Pima County health department will also begin transitioning to Phase 1B.
“It’s great that we have the highest vaccination rate in the state, but none of us should be happy with where we are today,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Director of Pima County Health. “It is critical that we speed up our immunization process as we are at an accelerated transmission speed. I am grateful to Pima County for making this alliance. “
Dr. Cullen said Pima County hopes to get through the 1B group vaccinations by the end of March.