The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older should stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. And the state health department is bringing back a program to get more Arizonans vaccinated.
In 2021, when COVID-19 vaccines first became widely available, the Arizona Department of Health Services launched a mobile vaccine program, but it has been on pause since 2023. Now, the department is starting up the CDC initiative again.
Jessie Barbosa, health equity program manager with the health department, said the mobile program brings free vaccines vulnerable groups who might have barriers to accessing the shots.
"Perhaps they’re homebound and need a vaccine administered in their home or they're living in a long-term care facility or skilled nursing facility or they live in a rural area, which is considered a vaccine desert," Barbosa said.
Barbosa said the program will continue at least through 2025.
Long-term care facilities or community-based organizations can request to host a pop-up vaccine event through the health department website.
-
City officials said that they will need to make up $22 million after the American Rescue Plan funds for homeless services expire. Since they are temporary, the city needs to replace the gap to maintain current service levels. -
The University of Arizona and pharmaceutical company Sunshine Biopharma are developing medical technology to minimize the severity of coronavirus infections. -
A new report from the Helios Education Foundation shows Arizona's chronic absence rates still haven't bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. -
Arizonans had been facing hurdles to getting COVID-19 shots amid regulatory confusion caused by shakeups at the CDC. But a state health department order has now cleared the way for broader access. -
The Arizona Department of Health Services issued a standing order to serve as a prescription for all Arizonans who want to get COVID-19 vaccines, but Arizonans may still face hurdles.
