ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County to not immediately lower coronavirus vaccine age cutoff

Jan 14, 2021, 2:58 PM | Updated: 9:11 pm

PHOENIX – Maricopa County health officials announced on Thursday that the county would not lower the coronavirus vaccine eligibility age from 75 to 65 at its county-run sites despite new recommendations from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Arizona’s largest county made the decision to keep the current requirements in place because it does not yet have enough vaccine to open it up to those 65-74 years old.

“We know that ADHS has announced they are opening up to those who are 65 and over, however Maricopa County is dedicated to its current mission of serving those in phases 1A and prioritized 1B,” Maricopa County Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine said at a press conference.

“Until we can get further along in that mission, we are not going to be able to open up and expand to other groups until that vaccine opens up in supply.”

On Wednesday, ADHS announced it would be lowering the vaccine cutoff age from 75 to 65 years old, meaning around 750,000 Arizonans could become eligible with the change; however, the state later clarified that it was up to each county to adopt those recommendations.

“Keep in mind, not every county is in phase 1B in Arizona,” ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s the Mike Broomhead Show on Thursday. “And given the limited resources, not every county may be able to prioritize the same way that the state is, so it’s really on a county-by-county basis.”

That expansion to phase 1B was made after federal authorities changed their recommendations for prioritizing shots while supply is limited.

According to state officials, 85% of the Arizonans who have died from COVID-19 and more than half who have been hospitalized have been 65 or older.

Sunenshine said Maricopa County is currently vaccinating approximately 10,000 people per day at its current distribution sites and is working to add additional sites and pharmacy partners in the coming weeks.

“We’re not sure when we’ll have enough vaccine to include the additional 400,000 people in the 65 and over category,” Sunenshine said.

“When we get to that point, we’re going to be ready with additional PODs planned so we can get that vaccine out to everyone who wants it.”

At state run sites like State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal, those who are 65 can sign up for the vaccine even though they are in Maricopa County.

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

PHOENIX — Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits. Integrated Biometrics, a South Carolina-based company, has a facility in Chandler near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. The company recently expanded its Chandler facility by around 8,000 square feet, according to […]

1 hour ago

Arizona State Parks and Trails will raise fees....

Lance Hartzler

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

PHOENIX — Visitors to Arizona parks and trails are going to be paying a little more starting on Feb. 25. Arizona State Parks and Trails, which does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate parks, announced Thursday that the agency will increase fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for its 33 locations to help […]

1 hour 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.

19 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.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

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.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Maricopa County to not immediately lower coronavirus vaccine age cutoff