Katherine Davis-Young/KJZZ

A medical worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.

The Pima County Health Department is recommending a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who is eligible and over 18 years old. 

The recommendation comes as COVID-19 is on the rise in Pima County and across Arizona. 

Despite having one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, Pima County is experiencing another COVID-19 surge. Data from state health officials showed almost 500 new cases of the virus county-wide on Tuesday and 20 new deaths.

“As you know our case numbers continue to increase here, over 350 cases per 100,000. Our positivity rate, depending upon which dashboard you look at, fluctuates anywhere between 8% and 13%," said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County’s health director.

Cullen also says hospital capacity is a concern, and the county’s goal is to focus on the unvaccinated.   

In a memo released Monday, country health officials say in light of the high transmission rate, everyone is considered to be at a high-risk of contracting COVID-19 in the county. The memo says anyone who is six months past their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months past a single dose of Johnson & Johnson, should get a booster. 

Federal health officials have approved boosters for people 65 and older, those in long-term care facilities and those at high risk because of work or medical conditions.  But in recent days, some cities and states have opened eligibility to all adults.