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COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
COVID-19 Vaccine
In coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, our planning efforts include involvement from hospital and healthcare systems, emergency response agencies, community-based organizations, and others. The role of different partners in vaccine distribution will depend on vaccine supply and the stage of the vaccine distribution plan. As more information becomes available about COVID-19 vaccine, this page will be updated.
Santa Cruz County Health Department in partnership with Mariposa Community Health Center will expand vaccinations to all adults, age 18 and over, who reside or are employed in Santa Cruz County beginning Monday, April 5th.
Residents who have already pre-registered and have not received an appointment can either make an appointment via our new online system or call our COVID-19 hotline at (520) 375-7626, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Residents who do not have access to a computer should call the COVID-19 hotline at (520) 375-7626 to schedule an appointment.
When registering for an appointment, registrants will be required to enter their name, date of birth, phone number, address, and email address. County residents or individuals who work in Santa Cruz County will be required to bring proof of residency or employment to their vaccination appointment. Appointments will become available each week on Friday at noon for the following week. The number of vaccines received each week will determine the number of appointments that will be available.
To schedule an appointment click here
COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form
Formulario en español de para la vacuna contra el Covid-19
For additional information visit the Arizona Department of Health Services
For more information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine visit the Arizona Department of Health Services
Frequently Asked Questions about the vaccine
Who will be eligible to get the vaccine?
Eventually, everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. However, when the vaccine is first available there will be limited supply.
Who will get the vaccine first?
On Dec. 1st, the CDC Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the recommendation of healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents as priority groups to receive initial doses of vaccine once it is approved by the FDA.
Per ACIP, health care workers are paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials (includes EMS).
Why have these groups been chosen first to receive vaccine?
Health-care 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.
What other groups will be prioritized to receive vaccine in early stages.
Why can’t all of the vaccine be shipped at the same time?
There will be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, but supply will continually increase in the weeks and months that follow. The timeline for when vaccine is available is dependent on the results of the clinical trials that are currently underway among tens of thousands of voluntary participants. SCCHD is planning for a variety of possible timelines for a phased vaccination process as vaccine candidates apply for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and begin the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process to ensure they are safe and effective before distributing them. Moderna’s EUA review will take place on Dec. 17th.
How can we trust the vaccine will be safe when its production and distribution are being expedited?
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines must go through a rigorous and multi-step testing and approval process before they can be used. Throughout vaccine development and distribution, there are numerous safety measures. These include:
- The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes and monitors all clinical trials.
- To get an Emergency Use Authorization, developers of a vaccine must provide a large amount of data on its safety and effectiveness to meet the rigorous standards set by the FDA
- Independent advisory committees provide oversight and monitor for safety during vaccine development and testing.
- Clinical trials for a vaccine continue after EUA is granted until enough data is available to grant full approval
After a vaccine is authorized for use, multiple safety monitoring systems are in place to watch for possible adverse events. If an unexpected serious adverse event is detected, experts work as quickly as possible to determine whether it is a true safety concern.
What side effects could there be from the vaccine?
According to clinical trial data reviewed by the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose.
Will I need more than one dose of vaccine?
Yes. The two leading vaccine candidates (Pfizer and Moderna) will require two doses given 3 to 4 weeks apart to provide maximum protection. Your vaccine provider will let you know if you need an additional dose and help provide a way to remind you to return in the right amount of time so you can receive your second dose.
If I get a COVID-19 vaccine, do I still have to take other precautions?
Yes, even if you get vaccinated, we recommend you continue with the other prevention measures you've been doing, such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, and limiting gatherings.
How much will it cost to be vaccinated?
There will be no cost to get the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of insurance status. In early December, Gov. Ducey issued an Executive Order that ensures Arizonans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge for as long as the state's public health emergency declaration is in effect.
Will a vaccine end the pandemic?
No, a vaccine will not end the pandemic by itself. A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 will be a major breakthrough in preventing COVID-19 infections but needs to be used in combination with other prevention measures until enough people have immunity (either from a vaccine or a past infection). Even after a vaccine is available, it will be necessary to continue with the core COVID-19 safety precautions including limiting activities outside the home, physical distancing, and mask wearing for the foreseeable future as we learn more about how long the protection lasts and as more people become protected through vaccination over time.