PHOENIX – A request for 300,000 additional COVID-19 vaccines directed by the Arizona Department of Health Services was denied by the federal government on Saturday because the state exceeded a milestone for 400,000 vaccinations administered this week .
“We are getting more and more doses in the arms of Arizonans,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHD), said. ‘The success of our vaccination site at State Farm Stadium has made it clear that Arizona can apply effectively and efficiently. [the] vaccine to large numbers. Now the federal government must step up its game and provide additional vaccine to support Arizona’s proven momentum. ”
The health department said the state, provinces and tribal governments could only order 169,000 doses after the denied request.
“Our message to our federal partners is simple: give Arizona more vaccination, and we will make good use of it,” he said. Christ said. “We have a large available capacity to expand where vaccine is offered, make more appointments available and move forward with the protection of our vulnerable population.”
As of Saturday morning, ADHD has confirmed that 412,320 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Arizonans so far.
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On Friday, the director of ADHD, dr. Cara Christ, said she was advocating for more vaccines from the federal government, saying: “We are working very closely with a professional at HHS and FEMA.”
The health department said the milestone was reached three days after 300,000 vaccines containing more than 63,000 doses were delivered, provided at State Farm Stadium, a 24/7 vaccination site available on Jan. 11.