FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Terrie Davidson
Community Relations Manager
Wickenburg Community Hospital
[email protected]
928-684-3219
Wickenburg Community Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Wickenburg, AZ, December 17th, 2020 – “Pre-screening to receive COVID-19 vaccine, when available, is now open for healthcare personnel eligible in Phase 1A.” Karen Smith RN, NMCC, LSSGB Manager, Infection Prevention and Employee Health Chair, Safety Subcommittee at Wickenburg Community Hospital states, “Wickenburg Community Hospital has not been approved as a distribution site at this time.”
Maricopa County is partnering with local healthcare systems and municipalities to operate five drive-through Point of Dispensing (POD) sites across the county for the first phase of vaccine distribution, primarily to health care workers, including EMS:
- Northwest- Banner Del Webb 12/21/20
- Southwest- Abrazo West 12/21/20
- Central-PHX Fairgrounds opening 12/17/201
- Northeast- HH Corporate opening 12/17/20
- Southeast- Chandler-Gilbert CC 12/21/20
These sites will not be open to the public. Vaccinations will be by appointment only. Please visit https://www.maricopa.gov/5588/COVID-19-Testing to learn more.
Phase 1A Eligibility: On Dec. 1st, the CDC Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the recommendation of frontline healthcare workers and long-term care facility staff & residents as priority groups to receive initial doses of vaccine once it is approved by the FDA.
Per ACIP, health care workers are paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. For Phase 1A, this includes individuals providing patient care in settings such as: hospitals, long-term care facilities*, emergency medical services, outpatient clinics, home health care, pharmacies, public health and education (e.g., school nurses and healthcare personnel). After completing a pre-screening, qualifying participants will be prioritized based on their exposure and risk level, and those highest on the priority list will be the first to receive instructions [email or text message] to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program, CDC has engaged retail pharmacy partners (CVS and Walgreens) to secure vaccine and provide on-site vaccination of residents and staff at no cost to the facility. Skilled Nursing Facilities residents and staff will receive the vaccine first, followed by Assisted Living and other adult congregate settings.
Facilities that are not part of the pharmacy program can submit their information to MCDPH to request alternative support for vaccinating staff and residents.
Please note, the initial supply of vaccine will be very limited, and vaccine will be distributed in an equitable and efficient way. Healthcare workers who do not meet Phase 1A eligibility will have the opportunity to be vaccinated in Phase 1B. For full details please visit https://www.maricopa.gov/5647/Phase-1A.
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