Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents and staff.
Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 65 and older.
Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.
Definitions of priority populations within Phase 1b are:
- Education and childcare workers, teachers, and staff. This includes all school and higher education staff who normally interact with other staff and students, and bus drivers, cafeteria workers, facilities staff, etc.
- Law enforcement and protective services (corrections and other emergency response staff).
- Individuals aged 65 and older.
Proof of eligibility within the Phase 1a and Phase 1b priority groups is required. Those seeking vaccination are asked to bring proof of occupation such as a paystub, employment badge, a letter from an employer or a driver’s license or ID displaying date of birth. Those without proper eligibility identification may be turned away. The Fort Tuthill vaccination site is currently open to the defined eligible groups and is not opened to the general public.
Vaccine supplies continue to be limited at this time and appointments are available on a first come first served basis at the Fort Tuthill vaccination site.
There is no cost to receive the vaccine, however, individuals with insurance should bring their insurance card. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance. Individuals without internet access in priority groups (now including those age 65 years and older) or who require assistance with registration can call the COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300.
Additional partner vaccination sites will be added as available. Coconino County Health and Human Services is actively working with state and local partners to facilitate agreements that will allow vaccine to be allocated for additional distribution outside of current operations, such as pharmacies and other private providers. This will help increase access to vaccine among priority populations.
The exact timeline of vaccine distribution among remaining Phase 1 priority groups and Phase 2 and 3 populations will depend on factors such as how many vaccine types have been approved, how many doses have been manufactured and allocated to Coconino County, how many individuals decide to get vaccinated, and other logistical factors. As more vaccine is available to more groups of people, more locations will open to provide vaccine. Eventually, COVID-19 vaccine will be available through doctors’ offices, pharmacies, clinics, outpatient providers, and other healthcare facilities.
