Grand Canyon University to open COVID-19 vaccination site next week

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University announced in a press release Friday it will open its coronavirus vaccination site on Tuesday with a plan to administer 500-800 doses a day.

Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday during the first week, the university hopes to expand to 12 hours a day and seven days a week in subsequent weeks provided there are enough vaccine doses.

Those who are eligible can pre-register online for the vaccination point of dispensing — known as a POD — that is part of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

The vaccination site is located at GCU’s commercial hub at 27th Avenue and Camelback Road.

The first week of the POD will accommodate those who need their second dose from the Phase 1A vaccine protocol at the request of the county’s health department, according to the release, easing the difficulty of getting appointments for people in both the 1A and 1B groups.

As hours and eligibility expand, GCU says the POD will provide additional walk-through services for those who don’t have a vehicle and rely on public transportation.

“We have invested heavily in the communities surrounding our university and this is another opportunity to serve those neighborhoods on the west side of town,” GCU President Brian Mueller said in a press release.

“These are historic times and the endeavor mirrors the values and mission of GCU to care for those in our community. Our faculty, staff and students are very excited to support this effort.”

GCU’s site is one of seven PODs in Maricopa County, according to the release, and will be run almost completely by university volunteers.

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