Arizona received the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses today, Monday, December 14, 2020. This week, distribution of the vaccine will begin in the state’s largest population centers, Maricopa and Pima Counties.
“The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Arizona — and this is something we can all be thankful for,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “We are facing the greatest public health challenge of our lifetime, and Americans stepped up to get the vaccine to our communities quickly and efficiently. This is what our nation does best. We solve problems and get things done. In Arizona, our plan is to get the vaccine to every corner of our state without delay, beginning with health care workers and vulnerable populations. My sincere thanks to the trial participants, scientists, community health leaders, health care workers, frontline workers, and the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed. Their commitment to getting this job done is a real inspiration, and I’m grateful for their partnership. The arrival of the vaccine marks a significant moment in the fight against COVID-19 — but we aren’t out of the woods yet. We need to remain vigilant and continue to follow all recommended health and safety precautions.”
Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ also recognized the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine doses.
“We are thrilled to see the vaccine here in Arizona,” said Dr. Christ. “The Department and the Vaccine Task Force have been working for months to make sure the vaccine is efficiently distributed throughout the state once shipments came in. While vaccine distribution is underway, it’s critically important that Arizonans continue to follow health and safety precautions to fight the spread and protect one another. This is not the time to let our guard down.”
