ARIZONA NEWS

Former surgeon general says Arizona’s vaccine troubles similar nationwide

Jan 21, 2021, 5:03 PM | Updated: 10:57 pm

(Twitter Photo/ @AZDHS)...

(Twitter Photo/ @AZDHS)

(Twitter Photo/ @AZDHS)

PHOENIX – A former U.S. Surgeon General said the country’s coronavirus vaccination execution feels like “50 states acting like 50 separate countries” instead of a cohesive unit because of a lack of former leadership and guidance from the federal level.

“There was a lack of direction federally. There was everything from conspiracy theorists, anti-vaccinators, so a lot of complicating factors in each state city has had to deal with,” Dr. Richard Carmona told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad on Thursday.

Carmona, who works with a team at the University of Arizona to study coronavirus trends, said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ have done the best that they can given the circumstances.

He noted manpower and infrastructure issues have plagued the whole country’s coronavirus vaccination execution; however, Arizona has a unique set of challenges in handling two metropolitan areas and a smattering of rural communities where it’s difficult to deliver the vaccines to.

“It’s not a simple issue,” Carmona said. “It’s extraordinarily complex one that it made it more difficult not having the appropriate leadership at the federal level to help guidance of these programs.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arizona currently ranks 27th in the country in COVID-19 vaccine doses distributed per 100,000 people; however, the state ranks 43rd when it comes for the number of doses that have been administered per 100,000.

ADHS and local agencies have worked to speed up distribution of the coronavirus vaccines. ADHS has launched two mass vaccination sites at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe.

Vaccination appointments are being snatched up as quickly as they’re posted. On Tuesday, 150,000 slots for February vaccinations at State Farm Stadium filled up within 14 hours.

Despite the hiccups, it’s vital to get the majority of the population vaccinated.

“It’s best that we all get vaccinated, unless you have a legitimate reason,” Carmona siad. “There may be a religious preferences, maybe allergy, but that’s a small part of the population the concerning part is when we have up to 30% or more of the population deciding they don’t trust the government or they don’t want to do it.”

The coronavirus vaccination woes continue as Arizona continues to see high coronavirus metrics in the state. Carmona said he and his team are encouraged by the slight decrease or plateau in certain coronavirus metrics, like the number of ventilators and beds in use, coronavirus cases and fatalities.

“For now, it’s looking better,” Carmona said. “I hope we can sustain this, but based on the fact that we are really not even close to the amount of immunizations we need and the high degree of transmissibility, that would tell me that this is going to continue for some time.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits.

2 hours ago

arizona state parks and trails...

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

Arizona State Parks and Trails is increasing fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for 33 locations to support park operations.

2 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

13 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

17 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

20 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

24 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Former surgeon general says Arizona’s vaccine troubles similar nationwide