Dear ADOT Employees:
We’ve all been through a lot together over the past year - and yes, it’s just about a year now. The next thing I hope we share together is getting a COVID-19 vaccination when it’s our turn.
And your turn is here or coming soon.
This week, the Arizona Department of Health Services rolled out a new strategy, making all Arizonans age 55 and older eligible to be vaccinated. Following up on that direction, the Arizona Department of Administration has announced that more than 1,200 ADOT employees now can be vaccinated - that’s about a third of our staff. This is very good news!
So how does the ADOA/state employee program vaccination program work?
- ADOA already has sent email invites to work addresses for all employees in the 55-64 age group, and those 65 and older previously received invites. Register by following the instructions in that message.
- Employees should check their spam/junk email folders if they’re eligible, but did not receive the email.
- Visit the ADOT COVID-19 Resource Center and see the “COVID-19 Vaccination” links for more information, or visit ADOA’s vaccine webpage directly.
- Please be patient - the vaccine registration sites are busy, so you may have to try multiple times.
- If you find another way to get vaccinated that’s easier for you, go ahead and take it! You don’t have to go through the ADOA program.
We strongly encourage you to get any of the vaccinations when you’re eligible. It’s critical for keeping you, your family and your work colleagues safe. COVID-19 vaccinations are the highway for returning to normal activities. I know that some have questions and concerns - that’s understandable. Here are key stats and basic information:
- Nearly two million vaccinations have been given in Arizona, about 80 million in the U.S. and more than 270 million doses around the world.
- The vaccines have proven to be incredibly effective. Real-world studies show that if vaccinated, your chances of getting seriously ill with COVID-19 are almost zero.
- Like with other vaccinations, some people have minor side effects that last a day or two, showing your body is building immunity.
- The federal government says there will be enough vaccine supply for all American adults by the end of May. That means if you’re not eligible now, your turn will come soon.
- Here are links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with more information on benefits of the vaccines and myths and facts.
I am amazed by the resilience our ADOT Team has demonstrated throughout the past 12 months. We have continued providing top-notch service to customers from Kingman to Douglas and everywhere in between. You have worked hard to keep yourself, your family, your colleagues and our customers safe. Getting vaccinated is our next shared step for ensuring health, safety and the vibrancy of our Arizona community.
John Halikowski
Director
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