PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services has announced that they are opening COVID-19 vaccinations to more people in our state, with people 55 and older eligible to meet at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium starting Tuesday.
ADHS says it plans to continue its age-based approach to protect those most at risk, joining Arizonans 55 and above with key frontline workers in its latest expansion in the Phoenix Metro area. According to state data, 90% of COVID-19 deaths and 65% of COVID-19 hospital admissions in Arizona are 55 and older.
SECTION: COVID-19 Vaccine in Arizona
“This pivotal update provides greater clarity for Arizonans and will result in the rapid delivery of vaccines to our most vulnerable populations,” Governor Ducey said in a statement. By continuing to vaccinate older Arizonans against COVID-19, those at risk will be protected and a majority of Arizonans with chronic medical conditions will be covered. And this hybrid approach ensures equitable distribution of the vaccine among our frontline workers who work with the public every day. “
About 50,000 vaccination slots at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium open Tuesday at noon to people 55 and older for appointments starting on Thursdays. Appointments can be scheduled at pharmacies and federally qualified health centers that participate in federal vaccination programs.
State officials say with opening the age group to 55 and older, the vaccine priority category will include between 56-66% of Arizonans with high-risk medical conditions.
ADHS says they move to the next age bracket, people 45 and older, when they get at least 55% of eligible individuals vaccinated or when they feel like there’s no more demand.
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Data on the percentage of vaccinated population by age group will be added to the AZDHS website, officials say. It is unclear when this data will appear.
“As more vaccines reach 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. “By moving to a hybrid approach, we can deliver the vaccine quickly and efficiently and give all Arizonans a clearer estimate of when they are eligible to be vaccinated.”
For more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment, click here.