1st Coronavirus Vaccines Arrive In Maricopa County

PHOENIX — The first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine has arrived in Maricopa County.

Arizona’s first doses of the vaccine are going to Phoenix and Tucson before smaller counties and tribal areas begin receiving shipments.

The Maricopa County Health Department announced the vaccine delivery on its official Twitter page Monday.

This week, Maricopa County is expected to get 47,000 doses, and Pima County will get 11,000.

Arizona reported 11,795 new coronavirus cases and one additional death Monday — the second highest daily report since the start of the pandemic. Monday's numbers brings Arizona's totals to 420,000 cases and 7,358 deaths.

In its vaccination plan, the health department has prioritized health care workers and long-term care residents to receive the first vaccines. Vaccinations are due to begin at health sites across the county on Thursday. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will require two doses either 21 or 28 days apart.

In rolling out the plan, Marcy Flanagan, the county's public health director, cautioned Arizonans against tossing out coronavirus mitigation efforts, like social distancing and wearing face coverings, now that a vaccine is on the horizon.

"Because a vaccine is here, unfortunately doesn't mean we're out of the woods, doesn't mean the pandemic is over," Flanagan said. "It just means that there's just that pinhole of light now we can see at the end of the tunnel, knowing a vaccine is here. The vaccine is a sign of hope that we have been looking forward to, but it will be many months before most people will have the chance to get the vaccine."

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.