Arizona To Start Vaccinating People 55 Years And Older
Arizonans ages 55 and older can start scheduling appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Tuesday, the Governor’s Office and the Arizona Department of Health Services announced Monday.
Starting Tuesday at noon, ADHS will open approximately 50,000 appointments at the State Farm and Phoenix Municipal stadiums for later this week for Arizonans in this age group. ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ expects individuals in this category can soon make appointments at pharmacies statewide, such as CVS and Walgreens, and federally qualified health centers participating in the federal vaccination programs.
Arizonans 55 and older account for nearly 90% of COVID-19 deaths, and about 65% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state, according to officials.
→ Q&AZ: What You Need To Know About Getting The Coronavirus Vaccine In Arizona
“Really what we want to do is protect people from hospitalization and death, and this prioritization scheme will help us to do that for Arizonans,” Christ said.
This change comes as the state has made good progress on vaccinating older residents.
“The state right now has vaccinated about 52 to 53% of our population that’s 65 and older, so that’s a really good sign. Some of our counties are well above that,” Christ said.
This means local health departments such as Maricopa County may soon move on individuals 55 and older as well, she said.
Appointments can be made at podvaccine.azdhs.gov or by calling 844-542-8201.
