Governor announces those 55 and older included in current COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
The governor’s office states 90% of Arizona’s deaths from the virus have been among those 55 and older. About 65% of those hospitalized from COVID-19 are in that age group. Including adults 55 and older in the vaccine prioritization category will cover between 56% and 66% of Arizonans with medical conditions that place them at severe risk for adverse outcomes because of COVID-19, according to the state.
“This critical update provides more clarity for Arizonans and will result in rapid administration of vaccine to our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Ducey. “Continuing to vaccinate older Arizonans against COVID-19 will help protect those at risk and cover a majority of Arizonans with chronic medical conditions.”
The Department of Health and Human Services reported that both Moderna and Pfizer had been experiencing a backlog of orders for the COVID-19 vaccine because of February’s severe weather in parts of the country. Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to be distributed in Arizona this month.
“As more vaccine reaches Arizona, we will continue refining our plan to maximize the benefits of this still-limited resource,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ.
Northern Arizona Healthcare officials say they are doing everything they can to get shots into arms. In mid-February, NAH, which operates Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center, reported administering 10,000 doses. “Right now our goal is to give at least 500 doses a day,” said NAH Chief Quality Officer Dr. John Mougin.
The most common side effect, he says, is soreness in the arm. “It’s from the injection itself and the needle. You can get low grade fevers, body aches or joint aches. Those things we’re seeing a little bit more frequently with the second shot than the first shot.”
NAH officials are working with Yavapai County to open vaccine clinics in Camp Verde and Sedona, which they expect to occur in the next couple of weeks, depending on vaccine availability. “One of the NAH goals is to partner with the counties to really make Coconino County and Yavapai County the leaders of the state as far as the rate of vaccinations,” said Mougin.
Meanwhile, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline in Northern Arizona, NAH Chief Nursing Officer Tyffany Laurano says creative strategies have helped to ensure that enough healthcare workers have been available to treat patients. “One thing that we’re most proud of as an organization is we maintained our nursing ratios throughout the duration of the pandemic, and that has not changed. We have travelers [traveling healthcare workers] with us, as well as some temporary staff.”
Healthcare officials continue to stress masking and distancing. “Even after you get vaccinated, it’s important to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions,” said Yavapai County Community Health Services Public Health Coordinator Terri Farneti.
About 8% of the country has been vaccinated, with more than 1.8 million doses administered to more than 1.2 million Arizonans, including nearly 600,000 who have received both doses.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, visit azdhs.gov/COVID19Vaccines. For COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability in Coconino County, visit
yavapai.us/chs/Home/COVID-19/Vaccine.
Those without computer access or needing extra help registering can call 1-844-542-8201 to be connected with someone who can assist. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
