Maricopa County officials have said they will begin vaccinations in Phase 1B and open the schedule for these priority individuals starting next week.
According to the Maricopa County public health website, the vaccination schedule will open on January 11th.
The eligible populations included in phase 1B are:
- K-12 school staff and childcare workers
- Law enforcement / protection services *
- Adults aged 75 and over
County health officials have stated that health workers who were eligible for Phase 1A, who have yet to schedule their first meetings, can do so, but will not be given priority over others currently eligible for Phase 1B. .
Given the limited availability of vaccines, health officials said it is their highest priority to ensure that every eligible resident in Maricopa County will have access to their vaccines.
Adults living in communal areas and other essential workers will have priority for vaccination in phase 1B according to the groups listed above, according to their website.
The Pima County Health Department will also begin moving to Phase 1B by the end of next week, according to Pima County Deputy Administrator and Chief Physician Dr. Francisco Garcia.
“It’s great that we have the highest vaccination rate in the state, but none of us should be happy with where we are right now,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Director. “It is essential that, as we move at an accelerated rate of transmission, we accelerate our immunization process. I am grateful to Pima County for making this commitment. “
Dr. Cullen said Pima County hopes to get group 1B vaccinations by the end of March.