Arizona Vaccine Administration Surpasses 500,000 Doses
More than half a million vaccine doses have been distributed so far statewide, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona passed the milestone on Wednesday; officials report all 15 counties have officially moved into some form of the 1B vaccination phase. The most recent update shows Greenlee, Coconino, Pima and Santa Cruz counties exhibit the highest vaccination rates per 100,000 people.
The state has established multiple mass vaccination sites, including the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley and the soon-to-open Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Health officials say those who received vaccinations already at the Glendale State Farm Stadium are guaranteeda second appointment and can register online. Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday passed an advisory in an effort to further accelerate the state’s vaccination process.
Coconino County Says Vaccination Efforts ‘Hampered’ By Low Supply
Coconino County officials, however, are reporting limited vaccination supplies; they say a lack of doses has hindered their ability to administer vaccines to residents. Interim Health and Human Services Director Kim Musselman says the county has the ability to administer about 1,300 doses a day — but can only administer fewer than 400 doses daily due to the limited supply.
Musselman says scheduling additional appointments will not be feasible until the county could receive another shipment of vaccines. The county typically receives an update on Thursdays regarding upcoming vaccine shipments, and could know later today whether a sizable amount of doses will come in the near future.
“We want the public to know that we understand your frustration and we encourage people to call their federal and state representatives to intervene and assist us,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan said in a statement.
So far, more than 13,000 doses have been administered in Coconino County.
1 In 4 Arizonans Say They Won’t Take Vaccine In New Poll
A new poll from a Phoenix-based market research company found that about one in four Arizonans surveyed say they will not take a COVID-19 vaccine. The company OH Predictive Insights questioned more than 1,000 Arizonans between Jan. 11 and 18. Nearly 60 percent of individuals said they would take the vaccine, while others reported feeling uncertainty toward vaccination. The poll also found that nearly 60 percent of Democrats reported they were extremely concerned about the virus, while just under 30 percent of Republicans reported extreme concern.
The recent poll shows a shift from past research at OH Predictive Insight, which previously reported a higher rate of hesitancy from Arizonans when asked about taking a COVID-19 vaccine.
“The tide has shifted dramatically sincelast summerwhen most people were hesitant about taking a vaccine,” Jacob Joss, an OHPI data analyst, said in a statement.