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 LATEST INFORMATION
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4,674 Cases Reported Yesterday; 248,905 Cases Since January
8% Hospitalized
1% ICU Admissions
View County Data
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The Health Emergency Is Now,
But We’ve Been Training For An Event Like This For Years
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Public Health plays a critical role in the vaccine dispensing process. It’s a huge logistical effort, but one that our staff and volunteers can handle because we’ve done training. Below, you’ll learn how we set up and run “Points of Distribution” sites, or POD’s, which will play a central role in getting a vaccine to health care workers and emergency responders in the coming weeks. |
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What Is A Point Of Dispensing (POD) Site?
A Point of Dispensing (POD) site is a location where designated populations can obtain critical emergency supplies during and after an emergency. Depending on the situation, they can be open to the public or open only to specific groups. Government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO), private sector organizations, or a combination of these groups can establish and operate these sites.
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What Role Will PODs Play In COVID-19 Vaccination?
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For Phase 1A of the distribution plan, 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, Banner Del Web, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and Valleywise Healthcare over a period of several weeks. There will be one POD in each region (northwest, southwest, central, northeast, southeast) and vaccine will be administered by appointment only. |
Learn about Maricopa County’s Vaccine Distribution Plan >
 Download PDF >
Public Health Practices Setting Up POD Sites
Even prior to the pandemic, Public Health and its partners regularly participate in emergency preparedness planning, including mock drills. By setting up practice PODs and practicing how to get people through that process quickly, we have laid the groundwork for success for the upcoming distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.
Watch a 2018 POD drill at Basha High School >
Currently, we are working with our partners to make sure vaccine PODs have good processes in place.
Watch Honor Health's test run last week >
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Who Will Get the Vaccine First?
Healthcare personnel are a top priority because of their exposure to the virus and their critical role of keeping emergency services, hospitals, health clinics and other critical health services functioning. Residents and staff of long-term-care facilities were prioritized because they account for nearly 40 percent of deaths nationwide from COVID-19.
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Free COVID-19 Testing This Weekend!
Need a COVID-19 test? We have four free events across Maricopa County tomorrow. Locations include Aguila, Glendale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix. Find times and locations at Maricopa.gov/COVID19testing.
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Free Flu Shots This Weekend!
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Still need to get your flu shot? We have free community events this weekend in Phoenix, Tempe, and Gilbert, with additional locations over the coming weeks.
Find a time and location that works for you at Maricopa.gov/Flu, or use our vaccine finder to find other options for getting your flu vaccine.
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How To Select A Mask
Most of us have been wearing face coverings for several months, but here’s how to make sure you are getting the most protection and value when you mask up.
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Do choose masks that:
- Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric; higher thread count is more effective
- Completely cover your nose and mouth
- Do not choose masks that:
- Are made of a fabric that makes it hard to breathe
- Have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape
Believe It Or Not, Public Health Needs You
To Answer The Call
Don’t be like George Constanza. If Public Health calls, please answer the phone. Providing up-to-date contact information is vital to our case investigation and contact tracing efforts. If we are unable to get in touch with you, we will not be able to assist in alerting your close contacts about their exposure to COVID-19, which could mean a greater chance of the virus spreading to others.
So, please, if Public Health calls or texts, answer the phone and help us get the information necessary to protect the community.
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