Graham County vaccine update

Contributed Article/Courtesy GCDHHS

SAFFORD- We are pleased to announce that Graham County was one of the first counties in Arizona to transfer into Phase 1B.

Phase 1A is expected to be completed by mid-February of 2021. The Moderna vaccine requires two doses spread 28-30 days apart.

We will finalize Phase 1B priority groups in March 2021 then proceed into the remaining 1B group. This an extensively large number of people and we are anticipating two months to complete.

To insure fidelity, vaccination clinics for Phase 1A and 1B priority groups are conducted internally at the participants’ facility. These clinics are not publicized.

However, at the end of January we will be conducting open vaccination clinics to additional members of the Phase 1B group.

We do understand the urgency to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Please be patient as we vaccinate our 75 years old and older, healthcare workers, first responders, and educators first during Phase 1A and B. After completing this Phase, the vaccination rate will increase as we are able to conduct larger vaccination clinics and as vaccine becomes more available.

Also, Family Medical Center, Gila Valley Clinic, and Mt. Graham Family Practice all have COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, the vaccine is intended only for those who are 75 years old and older. If you meet this age requirement, please contact your primary care physician to schedule an appointment.

Information for these clinics will be announced at a later date on the Graham County website, Health Department Facebook page, and with local media. Our goal is to provide every resident the opportunity for COVID-19 vaccine.