Arizonans Over 75 Will Now Get The Coronavirus Vaccine Earlier

ARIZONA — Arizona residents over the age of 75 just got some good news from the Arizona Department of Health Services: they moved up the list to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Arizona's elderly can now receive the vaccine in the next phase — 1B — instead of 1C, intended to begin in spring 2021. The population has been hard-hit by the virus, which continues to hammer Arizona. Hospital capacity across the state is at 91 percent and Tuesday saw records for ventilator and ICU bed use for coronavirus patients.

“One of Arizona’s top priorities since the start of the pandemic has been to protect our most vulnerable,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement announcing the change. “This updated prioritization will get older Arizonans vaccinated sooner, further protecting those most at-risk and relieving the strain on our hardworking health care professionals."

The update was approved by the Arizona Vaccine and Antiviral Prioritization Advisory Committee, a panel made up of state, local and tribal experts, including members of AZDHS. The department said the change is intended to care for those most at risk of hospitalization and death if they contract the virus.

According to national data from the CDC, those over the age of 75 are eight times more likely to be hospitalized and 220 times more likely to die than younger adults who become infected. The risk only increases in anyone 85 or older.

“We have seen the devastating effects COVID-19 has had on our communities,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ. “Prioritizing those 75 and older in the next phase of vaccinations will protect those at even greater risk while helping preserve hospital capacity.”

Vaccinations are currently being administered for healthcare workers and long-term care residents in what is being called phase 1A. The next phase will now include anyone over 75, as well as teachers and other frontline workers. Phase 1B is expected to begin statewide by mid-to-late January, but the timeline will likely vary by county, the AZDHS said.

Will Humble, the current director of the Arizona Public Health Administration and a former department of health director, lauded the decision in a tweet on Tuesday. He called the vaccine priority committee's decision "meaningful" and thanked it for its "evidence-based decision."