City of Phoenix to provide COVID-19 vaccine to most vulnerable residents

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is delivering COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable through a series of community-based vaccination events through May.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego during the first city-hosted vaccine event for low-income seniors on Thursday explained mass vaccination sites – such as State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium – are not always accessible to the city’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable residents, among them low-income senior citizens.

This is especially true for those who can no longer drive or cannot use technology to set up an appointment through the state’s online portal.

That is why the city is taking the targeted approach of delivering the vaccine to communities in need of doses.

“We think going out to the community and meeting needs can be an effective way to make sure vaccines reach everyone who wants one,” Gallego said, adding targeted events also make delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine more equitable.

“As we’ve looked at some of the statewide data, we’ve learned that the mass vaccination events are not working for everyone and the demographics don’t reflect the full diversity of our community,” Gallego said, claiming mass vaccination sites only worsen health disparities that already exist within the city.

Gallego stressed the importance of cities playing a bigger role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Cities are able to be nimbler and more targeted in our vaccine distribution approach, ensuring easier access,” she said.

Gallego said she asked the White House for a direct allocation of vaccines to the city to make distribution easier.