PHOENIX — Maricopa County Public Health sent out a cryptic tweet Thursday afternoon, suggesting those who’d received their first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at one of its five POD sites, may not be able to get their second dose on time or even at the same location.
RELATED: ADHS says high demand for COVID vaccine appointments continues, causing issues
The tweet went on to say they would notify individuals when supply became available, but even suggested those looking for a second dose begin looking elsewhere for an appointment.
1/2 As able, we are making notifications for 2nd dose appt availability based on date of 1st dose for those vax'd at our regional PODs. It's a slow process, but as vaccine supply increases & we're able to add more appts./locations, more will be notified. https://t.co/1mvPiq8O5B
— Public Health (@Maricopahealth) January 21, 2021
It startled us, as we’re sure it does many of you, so we reached out to county officials for clarity.
Here is the statement Maricopa County Health delivered regarding our questions:
Maricopa County is opening more appointments and vaccine opportunities as vaccine becomes available. Maricopa County is working with our health system partners, retail pharmacies and other vaccinators to establish vaccination events and access points to provide second doses to individuals who cannot get their second dose at PODs. Once more vaccine becomes available, we will be able to open more appointments, in addition to what is being offered elsewhere in the community. Those who have received their first dose will receive notification when vaccine is available to schedule their second dose. If you were vaccinated as part of Phase 1A or 1B at a Maricopa County regional POD site (not State Farm Stadium) and need to schedule your second dose but have not yet been contacted, please fill out this form. We are actively working with partners to expand 2nd dose vaccination opportunities as more vaccine becomes available. Note: If you were vaccinated at State Farm Stadium, see AZDHS website for their notification process regarding second dose appointments.
While it is recommended you have your second dose where you received your first, we know that may be difficult if appointments are limited or not available at these sites. Most important is that you schedule your second dose at a location that provides the same manufacturer of vaccine as your first dose [All of the county regional PODs and 24/7 ADHS State Farm POD use Pfizer vaccine]. At your first dose appointment, you should receive a vaccine card that tells you the kind of vaccine you received and the date it was administered. Depending on the type of vaccine, you'll need a second dose 21 days (Pfizer) to 28 days (Moderna) later. Your second dose must be of the same vaccine.
According to CDC/ACIP guidance, there is no maximum interval between the first and second dose for either vaccine. It is recommended you get your second dose of vaccine 21 days (Pfizer) to 28 days (Moderna) after your first dose. However because of vaccine supply and demand for first dose appointments, we know this may not always be possible. Getting that second dose is important to getting the full protective benefits of the vaccine, so schedule it as soon as you are able. Check scheduling availability on our vaccine locations page or use the ADHS Vaccine Finder.
We have information for those who received their vaccines at Maricopa County POD sites. Maricopa County is communicating with the State (registration system) and we will be reaching out to those that have not scheduled their 2nd dose as vaccine becomes available.
