Final COVID-19 vaccine shots at state-run sites administered Monday

PHOENIX — The final shots at a state-run COVID-19 mass vaccination site were administered Monday, marking the end of a more than five-month operation to combat the deadly virus in Arizona.

The Glendale site at Gila River Arena gave was giving out its remaining second-dose shots until 5 p.m. before closing as the state fully shifts to community-based operations.

More than 1.6 million shots have been administered at state sites since the first one opened Jan. 11 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Additional sites opened across the state as vaccine supply increased. Flagstaff, Tucson and Yuma all had locations in addition to several across metro Phoenix.

At their peak, state-run points of dispensing were giving out 168,000 Pfizer shots per week.

Demand to receive the vaccine has decreased in recent weeks, leading public health officials to shut down the sites.

Arizona hasn’t given out more than 5,000 inoculations at state PODs in a single day since May 22.

The sites stopped giving out first doses on June 5.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday the state could stand up state PODs in days if demand rises.

Arizona has reported 893,560 infections and 17,913 fatalities as of Monday, according to the ADHS’ COVID-19 dashboard.

ADHS’ website has a vaccine-finder page showing locations and registration information.

The minimum age to receive the Pfizer shot 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.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.

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