Starting on March 25, Pima County is expanding their requirements for getting the COVID-19 vaccine based on age, risk, and work. On March 22, Governor Doug Ducey came forward and said that Arizona would open the vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 and over. Within the time it was announced and the time it was released there have been some clarifications from the Pima County Health Department that specify who can get the vaccine.
Those currently eligible to get the vaccine at any site are anyone over the age of 55 (regardless of health and employment) and anyone over the age of 16 that is at risk or is an essential worker (see lists below) and at state run sites it is anyone 16 and above.
Who qualifies as “at risk?” Anyone who has the following conditions:
- Cancer Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Downs syndrome
- Heart conditions (including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies)
- Immunocompromised state aka weakened immune system, from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (Body Max Index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 or higher or < 40 kg/m2)
- Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
- Mellitus
What is considered essential work?
- Healthcare worker and healthcare support
- Emergency medical services
- Long-term care facility staff
- In-home long-term care
- Protective services
- Education and childcare
- Food and agriculture
- Restaurants and bars
- U.S. Postal Service
- Manufacturing
- Grocery and convenience stores (including carnicerias)
- State and local government
- Public transportation (buses, light rail, Uber, Lyft, taxis, etc.)
- Auto repair
- Business/financial services
- Clergy/faith leaders/ traditional healers
- Court personnel
- Critical trade (plumber, electrician, HVAC, etc.)
- Food packaging
- Funeral services
- Gas stations
- Power/utility
- Shelters
- Warehouse distribution
- Veterinarians and veterinary staff
If you fall into any of these categories and are interested in getting the vaccine, visit this site and you will be able to schedule an appointment quickly:
You will need to create an account to sign up. If there are no appointments available,, our school Nurse, Mrs. Whitesides has recommended going to the CVS website: Immunization intake form (cvs.com) instead.
There are many places in Tucson where vaccines are administered but the closest one to Ironwood Ridge High School is Fry’s Food and Drug located at 10450 N La Cañada Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85737.
If you aren’t an essential worker or at risk but are still 16 and up there is a place where you can get vaccinated. All state run sites are available to everyone 16 and up so you are eligible at the University of Arizona vaccination site. It would be a good idea to make an appointment early in the morning because they fill up fast and by the end of the day they will tell you that nothing is available.
If you need information about any vaccination sites in Tucson or the state including pharmacies, state-run sites, healthcare providers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers go to azhealth.gov/findvaccine.
If you have any questions about the registration or need help with the process, the registration support line for the Pima County Health Department’s is 520-222-0119, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
