Coconino County Moves to Include Those 55 and Older in Phase 1b

COCONINO COUNTY — During the ever-evolving COVID-19 response, Coconino County continues to remain nimble to best meet the needs of the community.

Today, in accordance with the updated Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, Coconino County is expanding vaccinations to individuals aged 55 and older as part of the current Phase 1b. Also, ADHS informed Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) that it has been allocated 1,100 doses of the JANSSEN single dose COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

“Coconino County is following guidance from ADHS regarding Phase 1b which was recently updated to include the 55 plus age group. We understand that this move is intended to help those most at-risk and are pleased to offer the vaccine to these individuals,” said Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Director Kim Musselman. “We are also committed to providing vaccines to the county’s large frontline services workforce. We want to encourage all those who are working and providing in-person services in Coconino County to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is important to note that vaccine supply is still very limited, but we continue to advocate for increased vaccine allocation and are excited about the addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”

Coconino County expects 1,100 doses of the Johnson & Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine to arrive early next week. The FDA issued the Emergency Use Authorization for this vaccine on Feb. 27, 2021. This vaccine is stored at the normal refrigerated temperature of between 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to three months and is for individuals 18 and older.

Coconino County is currently vaccinating those eligible individuals in Phase 1a and Phase 1b. Those individuals currently eligible are:

Phase 1a: Healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents and staff.

Phase 1b:

•    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, other emergency response staff);

•    Individuals aged 55 and older.

•    Power and utility workers

•    Food and agriculture related occupations (packaging and distribution workers, grocery and restaurant workers).

•    Transportation and material moving occupations (public transportation providers, airlines, gas stations, auto shop workers, and other transportation network providers).

•    State and local government workers that provide critical services for continuity of government.

•    Other essential workers (e.g., business and financial services, supply chain for critical goods, funeral services, critical trades, etc.).

•    Adults with high-risk medical conditions living in shelter or other congregate living settings.

Vaccine is provided at no cost at all COVID-19 vaccination sites. Individuals without internet access or those who require assistance can call the Coconino County COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300. The Information Line hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community is encouraged to check the Coconino County vaccine webpage at coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine each Friday at noon for new appointment availability. Links to vaccination partners registration sites are available on the website.