Southern AZ Will Get 1st State Vaccination Site At UArizona

TUCSON, AZ — Southern Arizona is getting some help from the state with the launch of its first mass coronavirus vaccination site.

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced Wednesday in a news release that a new state-run vaccination site will open on Feb. 18 at the University of Arizona's Tucson campus. The site will be an extension of the existing vaccination efforts at the school with expanded hours and man power.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Arizona and the Pima County Health Department to open a site in Southern Arizona and rapidly expand vaccine distribution," Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement. "The demand for vaccine doses is high, and Arizonans have made it clear they want it. We are working hard to secure more doses from the federal government and partner with private and public organizations to get the vaccine out and protect Arizonans."

The site will eventually operate 24 hours a day and seven days per week as more vaccine doses arrive in Arizona. At full capacity, the site can vaccinate up to 6,000 people per day.

The U of A site has been vaccinating the local community, including first responders and teachers, for two weeks and has administered about 12,000 doses.

“Our POD has the capacity to deliver more vaccinations, and we look forward to working together to further meet the needs of Pima County and Arizonans," University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins said in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of our entire team of professionals and volunteers who have partnered closely with Pima County, established the university POD, and operated it so well.”

This will be the third state-run vaccination site after AZDHS has seen success with its two Phoenix locations at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Currently, the state-run sites are vaccinating educators, first responders and residents over the age of 65.

As of Tuesday, 954,290 vaccine doses have been administered across the state.

New appointments will be added to the U of A site beginning Feb. 18 and registration will open on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Those eligible can register online or call 1-844-542-8201 for assistance.