Maricopa County Not Opening Vaccine Up To 65-Year-Olds Yet

PHOENIX — Maricopa County health officials said Thursday that it will not lower its coronavirus vaccine eligibility to residents over the age of 65 at county vaccination sites, despite new guidelines from the state and federal authorities.

Arizona's largest county has made the decision to hold off expanding its vaccine eligibility due to a lack of sufficient doses for the expanded eligibility. Maricopa County is currently vaccinating those in priority Phase 1B, which includes educators, first responders and residents over the age of 75.

“We know that ADHS has announced they are opening up to those who are 65 and over, however Maricopa County is dedicated to its current mission of serving those in phases 1A and prioritized 1B,” Maricopa County Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine said at a press conference.“Until we can get further along in that mission, we are not going to be able to open up and expand to other groups until that vaccine opens up in supply.”

The two state-run mass vaccination sites at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium will welcome 65 year-olds and up in addition to the other eligible groups. A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed this with Patch.

Pima County, the state's second largest, has also said it is reviewing the guidelines and taking stock of its vaccine supply before expanding its eligibility at countywide vaccination sites. The county only opened up Phase 1B registration Thursday.

According to Arizona health officials, approximately 85 percent of Arizonans who have died from the coronavirus and more than half of all who have been hospitalized were 65 or older.

Sunenshine said Maricopa County is currently vaccinating approximately 10,000 people per day at its current sites and will add additional sites and pharmacy partners in the coming weeks.

This article originally appeared on the Phoenix Patch