More than 281,000 doses of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far to 243,593 Arizonans, including 32,269 who have received both doses, according to ADHS. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 129,439 vaccines have been distributed as of Jan. 18.
“With these vaccine sites, Arizona is accelerating the pace of vaccine distribution. It’s a model that’s already being replicated by other states to get vaccine doses out of freezers and to Americans who need them,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in a news release. “Arizona has dramatically increased the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the last week, and other states are calling to request our site plan and playbook. We’re working with our federal and county partners to get more doses and open more vaccine sites.”
ADHS Director Cara Christ said in a statement that ADHS is anticipating "very high demand" for the available appointments.
"When they are filled, we will continue working tirelessly to secure more vaccine doses and open up more appointments,” Christ said. “The number of vaccine doses the federal government has provided to Arizona is limited. Our main barrier right now to providing even more capacity is the availability of vaccine nationally. As our State Farm Stadium site has shown, with nearly 35,000 people vaccinated already, we are ready to scale up and vaccinate even more people.”
The list of those eligible to register for appointments will include those age 65 and older, lowering the minimum requirement from age 75.
In addition to the state’s 24/7 vaccination site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a second site, operating during daylight hours, will launch Feb. 1 at Phoenix Municipal Stadium near Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, according to ADHS.
The biggest limiting factor for appointments is the limited supply of vaccine doses, according to ADHS. Arizona receives weekly allocations from the federal government, which determines how many vaccine doses the state has and how many appointments can be offered. Arizona will continue to add additional vaccine sites, including community health centers and pharmacies, as more doses allocated to Arizona, according to ADHS.
Starting Jan. 19, those in groups prioritized for vaccination can register for available appointments at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium at www.podvaccine.azdhs.gov. Information about all vaccination sites across Arizona can be found at www.azhealth.gov/findvaccine. Those without computer access or who need extra help registering can call 844-542-8201 to be connected with someone who can assist. The patient portal at www.podvaccine.azdhs.gov can be used to make an appointment for a relative in a prioritized group, such as someone age 65 and older.
