COVID-19 vaccine becomes more accessible in pharmacies in Arizona
More people are on the verge of being vaccinated against the coronavirus in Arizona, as people 65 and older can now get the vaccine and doses are delivered at pharmacies, increasing accessibility.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – Access to the Covid-19 vaccine has expanded dramatically in Maricopa County this week as anyone 65 and older can enter. They also have a few other places to choose from because pharmacies have received doses.
Anyone 65 and older can sign up for a vaccine appointment at nearly 200 different pharmacy locations in Maricopa County. It is part of the Federal Pharmaceutical Vaccine Program which allocated 20,000 doses to pharmacies in Arizona.
Bethany Home Discount Pharmacy in Glendale is one of nearly 200 pharmacies in Arizona now distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the weekend, they distributed 100 doses and expect to vaccinate hundreds more in the next few weeks.
“We get 400 vaccinations and we booked all those vaccines ahead of time,” says Sateesh Ananthu, owner of Bethany Home Discount Pharmacy.
Patients can go online or call the pharmacy directly to make appointments.
“It’s easy for the older community, people who do not have access to internet or computer facilities,” Ananthu said. “The best way is to walk into the pharmacy because of the overwhelming phone calls.”
Will Humble agrees with the Arizona Public Health Association that it should be easier for people to get the vaccine brought to them. “To really get the vaccine into the people, instead of bringing the people to the vaccine, that’s how it has been so far.”
Fry’s, Safeway, Walgreens and CVS distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in addition to locally owned pharmacies.
The big change in making appointments completely bypasses the Arizona Department of Health’s online scheduling system.
“It’s an alternative way to get vaccinated. To get through the state computer system, and that’s in your community,” Humble said.
Local pharmacies say the shipment of the vaccine to be delivered this week has been delayed due to severe winter weather in the central and eastern parts of the country. Therefore, some appointments have to be postponed this week.
Click here for a list of COVID-19 vaccine locations https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations