New Arizona COVID-19 vaccination site opens at Desert Financial Arena
TEMPE, Ariz. - State-run vaccination sites have administered more than 1.1 million coronavirus vaccines and now a new site is opening on Arizona State University's main campus in Tempe.
The new site at Desert Financial Arena opens on April 12 as the Arizona Department of Health Services continues its effort to move vaccination clinics indoors as temperatures heat up.
"The public distribution sites are the work of a tremendous community partnership, a mix of some very talented professionals and a very dedicated cadre of volunteers," said David Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Arizona State University Research Enterprise, and the lead member of ASU’s vaccination site team. "Moving indoors will enable us to keep getting vaccines in arms at the fastest rate possible; the Arizona heat was already starting to work against us."
This new point of distribution is a transfer from the previous site operated by ASU at Phoenix Muncipal Stadium.
If you received your first dose at Phoenix Municipal and you're scheduled for a second on or after April 12, you will automatically be assigned to Desert Financial Arena for your next dose. You'll receive an email with the update.
Organizers say the first priority at this site is to ensure all second dose appointments are successfully relocated, while maintaining focus on continuing to maximize the number of first doses available to the public.
"This new site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once you arrive, you’ll receive your vaccination inside in the concourse, and then will be monitored for about 15 minutes in the arena. Like all state run vaccination sites, you do need an appointment," said Arizona Department of Health Services Director, Dr. Cara Christ.
The arena's seating will be available for the required 15 to 30 minutes of observation after vaccination.
People who have appointments can enter on the north side of the arena. There is plenty of free parking being offered around the site just north of the arena.
"For those who plan to drive to the site, plenty of free parking will be available north of the arena; the public entrance to the vaccination POD also will be located on the north side of the arena. Due to construction around the university and near the site, the university strongly recommends that drivers use Rio Salado Parkway and arrive from the north," stated ASU officials.
If you're taking public transportation, the Veterans Way College Avenue Station is next to Desert Financial Arena.
Appointments will continue to be required and can be accessed through the AZDHS website: azhealth.gov/findvaccine.
As with all state-run sites, appointments for the week of April 19 will open Friday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m.
MORE: How to sign up and schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment
In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Monitor your health daily
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