By L. Parsons Navajo County has entered into Phase 1B of COVID vaccine distribution as of yesterday, Jan. 12. This phase includes educators, fire fighters, law enforcement and correctional officers, and residents over the age of 75. Distribution of the vaccine has faced challenges nationwide and Arizona is no exception. In a statement by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey he said, “Across the country, news of delays in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine are being reported. While Arizona has avoided many of these issues, any delay in shots being given to Arizonans is unacceptable. The development of the vaccine was called Operation Warp Speed and the distribution of the vaccine should follow that same sense of urgency.” Ducey also issued an executive order on Dec. 30. In it, he directed the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) to take over the direction of vaccine distribution instead of leaving it up to individual counties. He said, “Today, I’m issuing an Executive Order that requires the Department of Health Services to proceed at the same speed to increase access and ensure rapid distribution. Any delay in the vaccine getting to Arizonans, any dose that sits in a freezer rather than reaching the arm of a health care worker or long-term care resident, carries too great a cost. This is a health emergency, and we need all levels of government and our health system operating as such. Vaccines don’t do any good sitting in a freezer.” To aid the state, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is allocating $65 million to support vaccine clinics and administer doses more quickly. Ducey said, “The funding from the CDC will help amp up vaccine distribution, reach communities in need and protect Arizonans from the virus.” According to AZDHS Director Dr. Cara Christ, part of the reason for the lag in distribution is the number of vaccines initially received. The state was slated to receive more than 380,000 doses during the week of Dec. 20. However, only 314,000 were delivered. The state is also facing a lack of qualified administrators. Christ added, “We are finding we need more health care workers. We are working on staffing initiative and bringing in 300 additional nurses to help alleviate staffing issues.” As Phase 1B begins, Navajo County residents are encouraged to visit the county website at www.navavjocountyaz.gov to schedule an appointment with their health care facility to receive their vaccine. There is also a hotline set up for residents to get information on the vaccine. Reach it by dialing 2-1-1.
