Arizona to close all state-run COVID-19 vaccine sites by June 28

PHOENIX — Arizona health officials on Thursday announced all state-run COVID-19 vaccine sites will close by June 28 as operations will shift to community-based opportunities.

“Arizona is off to a great start at protecting everyone from COVID-19 and state-run vaccination sites have been a big part of that success,” Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said in a press release. “In many ways, the hard work is now underway for ADHS and our local partners.

“Our focus is shifting to connecting people to the information they need before getting vaccinated and to the growing number of providers offering vaccine in neighborhoods around Arizona, including pop-up clinics.”

UPDATE: State-run vaccination sites, which have administered 1.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to nearly 900,000 individuals, will be phased out over the coming weeks. Visit https://t.co/iZqsQ9qGVX to read about the next steps in Arizona's vaccination efforts. pic.twitter.com/daLwVDjJaC

— AZ Dept of Health (@AZDHS) June 3, 2021

Saturday will be the final day people will be able to get a first dose of the coronavirus vaccine and be able to schedule a second dose appointment at the seven ADHS-run sites across the state.

Individuals can still receive first doses at state points of dispensing after Saturday but will have to get their second shot at an alternate location.

The state is running four sites in metro Phoenix, one in Tucson, another in Flagstaff and one in Yuma.

More than 1.6 million doses have been administered to nearly 900,000 people at state vaccine locations since the first one opened at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 11.

“Starting with our 24/7 operation at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, these sites established a national model for getting limited doses of vaccine into the community rapidly and efficiently,” Christ said.

“We’re in a much different position today than we were early in the year, with enough vaccine available throughout Arizona for virtually anyone to get vaccinated when they want close to home.”

For details about statewide COVID-19 vaccine availability, the ADHS website has a vaccine-finder page showing locations and registration information.

The minimum age to receive the Pfizer shot, which is used at state sites, has been reduced to 12, but it’s still 18 for the other approved versions, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Appointments may be required depending on the provider, but many accept walk-ins.

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