FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terrie Davidson
Community Relations Manager
Wickenburg Community Hospital
terrie.davidson@wickhosp.com
928-684-3219
Wickenburg Community Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Wickenburg, AZ, December 22nd, 2020 – “Pre-screening to receive COVID-19 vaccine, is now open for healthcare personnel eligible in Phase 1A which was voted on and approved by the CDC Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP). There is no ‘wait-list’ for non-healthcare personnel.” Karen Smith RN, NMCC, LSSGB Manager, Infection Prevention and Employee Health Chair, Safety Subcommittee at Wickenburg Community Hospital explains, “Wickenburg Community Hospital (WCH) has not been approved as a distribution site at this time and has no influence over eligibility or distribution of the vaccine.” WCH continues to follow the recommendations provided by the Maricopa County Health Department and CDC for standards of care for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Maricopa County is currently still in Phase 1A where doses of the vaccine will be distributed to eligible healthcare personnel at five regional Points of Dispensing (PODs) across the county in conjunction with Abrazo Health, Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic, and Valleywise Health. Frontline healthcare workers can visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19Vaccine1A to identify eligibility requirements to get vaccinated and start the registration process.
The Next Phase: Public Health expects as many as one million people will be eligible for vaccinations in Phases 1B and 1C, based on priority populations suggested in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Playbook. Discussions about potential distribution methods of vaccine for these groups is ongoing. More information about eligibility and the vaccine distribution process for populations prioritized in Phase 1B and 1C will be shared by the Maricopa County Health Department as soon as it becomes available. As of now phase 1b includes healthcare workers not included in 1a, adults in congregate settings, law enforcement, teachers & childcare workers, essential services/critical industry workers. Phase 1c lists Adults 65 and older, as well as adults of any age with high-risk medical conditions.
###