Valley rock and roll icon Alice Cooper visited the southwest vaccination POD at Abrazo West Campus last week to get his COVID-19 vaccine and visit with volunteers and staff operating the site.

Cooper and his wife Sheryl received vaccinations from Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and spent the morning at the POD learning about the operation, signing autographs, taking photos and thanking volunteers for their service.

“We’re here today signing autographs and for some morale-building,” said Cooper, who also received his first dose of the vaccine. “I think it’s a good idea to get both vaccinations… I’ll be back in 21 days to get my next one.

“All the people out here are great, all the volunteers are terrific. I just want to thank everybody for volunteering and I think once we all get vaccinated we’ll beat this thing. If Alice Cooper can get a shot, anybody can,” he laughed.

Abrazo West officials complimented the collaboration of all the partners and support to provide vaccinations at the southwest POD.

“I am so impressed with the dedication I’ve seen not only for this effort, but by everyone in the hospital working night and day to care for our patients,” said Abrazo West Campus CEO Christina Oh. “The teamwork shown by staff, volunteers, police and fire and other partners to support this historic effort is nothing short of amazing.”

As the one-year mark approaches of the first identified community spread COVID-19 case in Maricopa County, those in health care note that while much has been learned about the virus, there is still much work to do to manage effects of the pandemic.

“The vaccinations are an important step in the direction of bringing the virus under control. But we can’t let our guard down. Continue to follow CDC guidelines and when it’s your turn, sign up for the vaccine. In the meantime, please protect yourselves and others by wearing a mask in public, using proper hand hygiene and practicing social distancing.”

For more information about Abrazo hospitals, visit AbrazoHealth.com.