COCONINO COUNTY — The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.
Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.
Although the release of additional vaccine will result in increased future allocations, Coconino County continues to have limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccine at this time. All vaccine doses in Coconino County are matched with already booked appointments. There are currently no available appointments for vaccinations at the Fort Tuthill vaccination site. Additional appointment times will be added when more vaccine supplies are received.
Coconino County is currently vaccinating those eligible individuals in Phase 1a and priority populations within Phase 1b. Healthcare providers are included in Phase 1a, and priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals age 75 and older. Those aged 65 and older are now being added to the County’s priority populations within Phase 1b and are eligible for vaccination when vaccine supplies allow.
Individuals who qualify for the current Phase 1a and priority populations within Phase 1b eligibility are encouraged to check the County’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage at coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine frequently as appointments could become available if cancellations occur. Links to partner COVID-19 vaccination sites are included and may have appointment availability. Partner agencies are also experiencing limited vaccine supply and may not yet have availability for this added priority group.
“We are following the guidance from ADHS regarding Phase 1b eligible priority groups and are allocating additional vaccine accordingly when it becomes available,” said Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Interim Director Kim Musselman.
“For many, the vaccine represents hope; hope for a return to normalcy, hope for human connection, hope for the future. I know it is hard to wait for vaccine availability, especially when you are considered a priority population that is eligible to receive the vaccine. The vaccine certainly represents hope to me and my fellow supervisors for the sake of our community and our residents. We place our hope in science, medicine, and technology and we continue to place our hope in each other. We ask the residents of Coconino County for patience as we advocate for additional vaccine supply,” said Chairman Matt Ryan.
Coconino County Health and Human Services continues to recommend the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Practice physical distancing.
- Stay home when sick.
The community is encouraged to check Coconino County’s vaccine webpage at coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine for updates and information. Individuals without Internet access and who require assistance can call the COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300.