World War II Vet Gets Arizona's First Coronavirus Vaccine: WATCH

PHOENIX — A World War II veteran was among the first in Arizona to receive the coronavirus vaccine Tuesday.

John Mohun, who lives in a long-term care facility at the Phoenix VA Hospital, volunteered for the shot. He is among the five veterans and 15 VA employees receiving the first round of vaccinations at the hospital.

"I just got the shot and I haven't had the chance to feel it yet. I would have died if I didn't come in here," Mohun said, referring to the VA Hospital. "So, at least I owe you something."

The Phoenix VA was chosen as one of 37 sites by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the department, it was chosen due to its ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.

The FDA approved Pfizer vaccine arrived in Maricopa County earlier this week to begin vaccinating health care workers and long-term care residents at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus. The FDA is expected to review Moderna's vaccine this week to bring additional doses to the masses as the virus continues to surge across the country.

Both coronavirus vaccines require two doses, with the second due to be given either 21 or 28 days after the first.

Arizona reported 4,848 new coronavirus cases and 108 deaths Wednesday, with more than half of all ICU beds in the state filled with coronavirus patients.

Maricopa County was expected to receive 40,000 vaccines in the first phase of its distribution plan. Additional orders are expected by the end of December. Banner Health and Honor Health will begin vaccinating those included in this first phase at sites around the Valley.