PHOENIX – Adults 65 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Maricopa County starting Monday, Feb. 15.
County health officials announced on Thursday that they are expanding eligibility as nearly 50% of people over 75 have now received at least one dose of vaccine.
RELATED: On Thursday, ADHS reported 1,861 new cases of COVID-19 and 200 additional deaths.
Monday, all vaccine sites in Maricopa County will begin administering doses to individuals 65 and older.
The decision is in line with the federal pharmacy vaccination program starting later this week that will take the vaccine to 182 pharmacies in Maricopa County.
“The data shows that our decision to give older adults a little extra time to access the vaccine has proven successful and the timing is now right to invite our residents 65 and older to take the step to go ahead and get vaccinated, ”said Marcy Flanagan, director of Maricopa County Health Department.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health estimates that in Maricopa County, nearly 400,000 adults aged 65-74 will be eligible for the vaccine.
According to the latest data available by Maricopa County health officials, nearly 430,000, or 12%, of residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 120,000 Maricopa County residents, about one in four people who received at least one dose, have been fully vaccinated with two doses.
MCDPH makes vaccination appointments when and where it is convenient for people.
The efforts include: establishing five regional drive-through locations across the country, then adding a sixth and more centrally located locations close to public transport with a walk-through option for those who do not have their own vehicle.