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First COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Maricopa County, health officials say

COVID-19 vaccine delivery Maricopa County
Posted at 9:58 AM, Dec 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-15 19:39:35-05

PHOENIX — The first coronavirus vaccines have arrived in Arizona, the same day that the first vaccines were administered in the United States.

RELATED: Arizona expects to have 383K doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this December

The first doses arrived Monday morning in Maricopa County, according to health officials.

RELATED: Arizona health officials report nearly 12,000 new coronavirus cases Monday morning

ABC15 was inside a Phoenix HonorHealth facility Monday morning as they received the first shipment of vaccinations. Health officials were seen unboxing the vaccines and placing them in freezers for storage.

Pre-screening was available Monday on Maricopa County's website for those in Phase 1A, which includes healthcare workers, education, long-term care facilities, pharmacies and more.

According to Maricopa County health officials, additional federal guidance for distribution of the vaccine beyond Phase 1A is expected in the coming weeks.

"Once recommendations are made and more is known about vaccine availability, state and local health officials will be able to determine the most effective and equitable way to vaccinate other prioritized groups," the county website says.

See more on the potential phased distribution plans here.