Christ says 45% of eligible Arizonans in Phase 1A have received vaccine shots
Jan 8, 2021, 4:00 PM
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
PHOENIX — The state’s top public health official said Friday only 45% of Arizonans eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Phase 1A have got the shots as many counties have either moved or are close to moving into the next phase of distribution.
Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, expects that percentage to rise for all groups as more sites open and more trust is built around the safety of the vaccine.
About 126,00 Arizonans had received the vaccine as of Friday, with about 2,000 of those people in Maricopa and Pima counties having taken both of the required doses.
“We know that more and more people that get vaccinated and more people talk about their experience, people who may not have been comfortable getting vaccinated early on may opt to get vaccinated later,” Christ said during a press conference.
Four of Arizona’s 15 counties have already shifted into Phase 1B and several intend to make the move next week, including Maricopa County on Monday.
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The eligible pool for Phase 1B is three times as large as 1A, according to Christ, so high vaccination numbers are crucial as COVID-19 continues to ravage through Arizona.
On the state’s side, that means quicker distribution, which has been a criticism in initial rollouts.
“We’re not happy with the speed of distribution either,” Christ said. “We’re trying to get it out faster.”
Phase 1B includes two levels. The priority level is K-12 school staff and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services personnel, and adults age 75 and older.
The other level includes adults living in congregate settings and workers classified as essential.
Christ expects most of the state to move to the next group by early March if everything goes according to plan.
