Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Kelly receive first dose of coronavirus vaccine

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona became the latest Washington officials to receive the first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine Friday.

“These vaccines are safe, effective, and will save lives and help Arizona’s economic recovery,” Sinema said in a statement. “As more doses become available, I encourage all Arizonans to join me, and a growing number of leaders in both parties, in getting vaccinated and protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this deadly virus that has caused so much damage to Arizona lives and livelihoods.”

Both senators say they will continue to follow CDC guidelines such as wearing a mask and social distancing, according to a press releases from their respective offices.

“This, along with the other mitigation steps like wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands – this is what is going to get us out of this horrible situation we’ve been in,” Kelly said. “So I want to encourage folks to get vaccinated when you can, and encourage your friends and family members to be vaccinated too.”

Was grateful to receive the COVID-19 vaccine today with @SenatorSinema. I encourage all Arizonans to take it when it’s available. In the meantime, we all must do our part by wearing a mask, social distancing, and not gathering in large groups. #MaskUpAZ pic.twitter.com/NaXY0tYTfU

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) December 19, 2020

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received the shot Friday hours after Vice President Mike Pence was vaccinated on live television.

As Arizonans await their chance for the vaccination, the Department of Health Services announced that the state did not receive its full allotment of COVID-19 vaccine doses from Pfizer for the upcoming week.

Health officials said in a press release Friday that the state expected to order 70,200 vaccine doses, but was only able to order 41,925.

The department contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an explanation but are awaiting a response, according to a release.

Arizona health officials on Friday reported 7,635 new coronavirus cases and 142 additional deaths, increasing the state’s documented totals to 442,671 COVID-19 infections and 7,819 fatalities.

It was the third consecutive day with at least 100 deaths reported. Until Thursday, there’d never been back-to-back days in triple digits.