PHOENIX – Public Health in Maricopa County sent out a cryptic tweet Thursday afternoon suggesting that those who received their first doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on one of the five POD sites may not be able to get their second dose on time or even in the same place.
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The tweet further said they would notify individuals when the offer is available, but even suggested that those looking for a second dose start looking elsewhere for an appointment.
1/2 Enables our second dose appt notifications based on the first dose date for those obtained from our local PODs. It is a slow process, but as the vaccine supply increases and we can add more applications./locations, more will be notified. https://t.co/1mvPiq8O5B
– Public Health (@Maricopahealth) 21 January 2021
This scared us, because we’re sure many of you do, and that’s why we reached out to the provincial officials for clarity.
Here is the statement Maricopa County Health made about our questions:
Maricopa County is still opening appointments and vaccination opportunities as vaccine becomes available. Maricopa County works with our health system partners, retail pharmacies and other vaccinators to set up vaccination events and access points to provide second doses to individuals who cannot get their second dose at PODs. Once more vaccine is available, we will be able to make more appointments, in addition to what is offered elsewhere in the community. Those who received their first dose will be notified when the vaccine is available to schedule their second dose. Complete this form if you have been vaccinated as part of Phase 1A or 1B at a local POD site in Maricopa County (not State Farm Stadium). We are actively working with partners to expand the 2nd dose of vaccination opportunities as more vaccine becomes available. Note: If you have been vaccinated at State Farm Stadium, consult the AZDHS website for their second dose appointment notification process.
Although it is recommended that you receive your second dose where you received your first dose, we know that it can be difficult if the appointments are limited or not available. The most important thing is to plan your second dose at a place that gives the same vaccine manufacturer as your first dose. [All of the county regional PODs and 24/7 ADHS State Farm POD use Pfizer vaccine]. At your first dose appointment, you must receive a vaccine card that tells you what type of vaccine you received and the date it was administered. Depending on the type of vaccination, you will need a second dose 21 days (Pfizer) to 28 days (Moderna) later. Your second dose should have the same vaccine.
According to CDC / ACIP guidelines, there is no maximum interval between the first and second dose for any vaccine. It is recommended that you receive the second dose of vaccine 21 days (Pfizer) to 28 days (Moderna) after your first dose. However, due to the vaccine supply and the demand for first dose appointments, we know that this is not always possible. Getting the second dose is important to get the full protective benefits of the vaccine, so plan ahead as soon as you can. Check the availability of schedules on our vaccination page or use the ADHD vaccine finder.
We have information for those who have received their vaccines on Maricopa County POD sites. Maricopa County communicates with the state (registration system) and we will contact those who did not plan their 2nd dose as vaccine becomes available.