More doctors’ offices, clinics can order COVID-19 vaccine starting next week

PHOENIX — Arizona health officials announced Friday eligible doctors’ offices and clinics can begin ordering the Moderna vaccine starting next week.

The change, beginning May 3, will allow nearly 1,200 providers registered with Arizona Department of Health Services to order up to 200 doses directly from the CDC during a two-week period, without needing an allocation from the government.

“As we get more doses into the state, we are expanding the places where Arizonans can get the vaccine,” Dr. Cara Christ, director of the ADHS, said in a press release.

“From the beginning, we wanted to ensure Arizonans could receive the vaccine in locations they normally receive health care — including their primary care providers officers, clinics and pharmacies. This will further reduce barriers and help more Arizonans access the vaccine.”

Christ said during a press conference Friday the ADHS is anticipating more than 100,000 doses to be available for direct ordering in the first week.

Moderna has less stringent storage requirements and smaller lot sizes than Pfizer, making it easier for use in doctors’ offices.

State sites, retail pharmacies and several health centers offer the Pfizer vaccine, which is available to those age 16 and older.

Other sites may offer the Moderna and the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccines, which are approved for those 18 and older.

For details about statewide vaccine availability, the ADHS website has a vaccine-finder page showing locations and registration information.

For information about metro Phoenix vaccine availability, Maricopa County Public Health has a locator page that lists pharmacies, government-run sites, health clinics and pop-up distribution events.

Appointments can be booked online at https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/ or by calling 844-542-8201.

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