Syringes containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are placed in a tray in a vaccination room in the St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, Thursday, January 7, 2021. (AP Photo / Jae C. Hong)
PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix will move into the first phase of Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine distribution next week.
Because the supply of doses is limited, health officials follow priority plans designed to ensure efficient and equitable distribution.
Maricopa County began shooting the Phase 1A population on Dec. 16. The country reported Friday morning that it had completed 68,892 doses.
To date, vaccines developed by Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna have received federal approval for emergency use. They both need two shots that are a few weeks apart for full effectiveness.
Phase 1 A priority for the Phoenix area would be completed by Sunday. The group includes frontline health workers, emergency medical services and staff and residents at long-term care facilities.
Four Arizona counties – Gila, Pinal, Apache and Mohave – are already in Phase 1B. Yuma County said it will move into 1B on Monday, while Pima County aims for the end of next week.
Here’s what we know about the transition from Maricopa County to Phase 1B:
- Appointments are required and places are limited. The 1B online scheduling system will be activated on Monday at 06:00. Information on how to register will be posted here at the time, the country said.
- Phase 1B contains two levels. Only priority-level groups – K-12 school staff and child care workers, law enforcement and protection services staff, and adults aged 75 and over – can enter on Monday.
- Initially, Phase 1B shots will only be given at the five established distribution points of the province, plus a new 24-hour site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Bookings will be limited to time slots not yet booked for people in Phase 1A who get their second chance.
- People in 1A will still be allowed to register during Phase 1B, but will no longer enjoy preference over other eligible populations.
- Eventually, the province expects to add more options for suitable groups to receive shots, which could include pharmacies and employer-based vaccination opportunities.
- There is no timetable for when the rest of Phase 1B – adults living in a community setting and workers classified as essential – or subsequent phases will be eligible for vaccinations.