PHOENIX — On Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced that one million COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered. The one millionth recipient was not treated to a celebration replete with confetti and balloons because it seems no one knows who they are.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, “Due to the large number of vaccines administered every day by the state, Arizona’s 15 counties and private health care providers, the one millionth person to receive the vaccine cannot be determined. Latest numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) show Arizona has administered 996,699 doses, and the one millionth dose will be administered today based on the reported number of Arizonans vaccinated each day.”
“We’ve reached a major milestone with our one millionth dose,” said Governor Ducey. “The dedication and hard work of many made this accomplishment possible. Nurses, doctors, health technicians, support staff, volunteers — to each and every one of you, thank you. ”
On December 14, Arizona received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses. That same week, distribution of the vaccine began in the state’s largest population centers, Maricopa and Pima Counties.
On December 30, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order to rapidly expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine by streamlining distribution throughout Arizona and establishing additional vaccination sites.
On January 11, Arizona opened a state-run vaccination site at the State Farm Stadium that operates 24/7. The site has administered 186,489 since opening. Additionally, President Biden and Vice President Harris praised the work being done at the site during a virtual tour earlier this week. On February 1, the state opened another site at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The site has administered 17,572 to date.
On January 26, the Governor issued an Executive Order to accelerate the statewide distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and move doses of vaccine to where they can be rapidly administered to Arizonans.
Earlier this month, the Governor sent a letter to members of Arizona’s congressional delegation to request help in meeting the urgent need for additional supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine and secure funding for its distribution. The State of Arizona recently requested an additional 300,000 doses of the life-saving vaccine, and an additional 300,000 doses a week. The request was denied.