Arizonans Over 55 Now Eligible For The Coronavirus Vaccine

ARIZONA — Arizona has lowered its age eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine starting Monday in Phoenix.

Gov. Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services announced its new "hybrid" approach Monday, providing Arizonans over the age of 55 with eligibility along with frontline workers. The new approach has already launched in the Valley.

“This critical update provides more clarity for Arizonans and will result in rapid administration of vaccine to our most vulnerable populations,” Ducey said in a statement. “Continuing to vaccinate older Arizonans against COVID-19 will help protect those at risk and cover a majority of Arizonans with chronic medical conditions. And, this hybrid approach will ensure an equitable distribution of vaccine to our front line workers who are working with the public every day.”

Arizona is continuing an age-based approach to vaccine administration, ensuring doses go to those most vulnerable to hospitalization and death due to the virus. The state said ninety percent of Arizona’s deaths from the coronavirus have been among those 55 and older. Approximately 65 percent of those hospitalized due with the coronavirus have been members of that age group as well.

ADHS will release 50,000 new vaccination appointments at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium at noon on Tuesday to those 55 and older for slots beginning Thursday. Arizonans in that age group will also be eligible to schedule appointments at pharmacies and health health centers participating in the federal vaccination programs.

County health departments across the state can transition to the next age category when 55 percent of people in their current category are vaccinated, or if they feel that there is no longer demand for vaccine.

Pima County Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen told Patch in a statement that the county would continue vaccinating those eligible in Prioritized Phase 1b, which includes Arizonans over the age of 65.

"Under the new hybrid model, Arizona counties can move to the next priority phase when it has vaccinated 55 percent of the current phase," she said. "According to the state’s data, Pima County has vaccinated 47.7 percent of people age 65 and older."

Cullen also said that the state vaccination site at the University of Arizona will remain aligned with Pima County's priority phase, per Christ.

A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Health Department did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment regarding when its sites might be able to include this new age group.

“As more vaccine reaches Arizona, we will continue refining our plan to maximize the benefits of this still-limited resource,” ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said in a statement. “Moving to a hybrid approach will allow us to rapidly and efficiently administer the vaccine and provide all Arizonans with a clearer estimate of when they will be eligible to be vaccinated.”

County and local vaccination sites are also now able to prioritize frontline essential workers, based on availability. Each county will have their own list of eligible industries and employment so younger Arizonans can begin to be vaccinated.

According to state data, more than 1.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered to more than 1.2 million Arizonans, including nearly 600,000 who have received both doses.

Registration for the new wave of appointments will begin Tuesday at noon online. Those without computer access or who need additional assistance registering for an appointment can call 1-844-542-8201.