COVID-19 VACCINE

Vaccine Prioritization

As the federal government has begun shipping supplies of the COVID-19 vaccines to states, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS),  with county and local health departments, coordinates vaccine distribution throughout Arizona. Vaccines are being distributed as supplies arrive in Arizona. For this reason, a prioritized, phased approach is being taken to ensure the availability of vaccines to our most vulnerable citizens and our most essential at-risk workers.  Please see the chart below:

 

When you will be informed

  • We are informing each group of State employees as the vaccines become available to them.
  • The notification email will come from [email protected] and be sent to the personal email addresses you have on file. If you do not have a personal address, it will be sent to your work address. 
  • If you think you should have received a notification and did not, please fill out this form so your request may be reviewed.  

Spouses and dependents

At this time, due to the currently limited supply of vaccines, only employees who receive an invitation to be vaccinated will be allowed to receive the vaccine. Please refer to the chart above to see the timeline the State is following for vaccination prioritization. Family members and other dependents will be eligible for vaccination as the phased vaccination process progresses. Please contact your healthcare provider if your dependents need a vaccine.

Retirees

Retirees are not eligible for the State program at this time but may locate a site via the azhealth.gov/findvaccine website.

How are vaccines being distributed?

Vaccines are being distributed to employees through the following channels:

  • State sites: The State is setting up vaccine distribution locations for employees. You will be informed via email when vaccines are available for you.
  • County sites: Those prioritized for the vaccine (Phase 1A and 1B) can also register for appointments at county sites listed at azhealth.gov/findvaccine, which lists each county’s phase and has local links to register for a vaccination.
  • Pharmacies and healthcare providers: You are welcome to receive a vaccine from these providers, you are not required to receive it from the State. If you receive a vaccine from these providers, you may be asked for insurance information. Please see “insurance information” below. 

    Vaccines at no cost 

    All COVID-19 vaccines are free to Arizona employees whether you are on a state benefit plan or not.

    Insurance information

    While vaccines are at no cost, you may be asked to provide insurance information for billing purposes. Please be sure to bring your insurance card and have it billed under your medical carrier (BlueCross BlueShield AZ or UnitedHealthcare), NOT the pharmacy carrier MedImpact. 

    How many times do I have to be vaccinated?

    • The State is using the Moderna vaccine, which is administered in two parts, four weeks apart. If you receive the first vaccination, you do need to receive the second one for maximum effectiveness.
    • You will make your second appointment during your first vaccine appointment. If you do not make a second vaccine appointment, you will receive a reminder email from the vaccine appointment system.

    Will masks and physical distancing still be necessary after receiving the vaccine?

    The vaccine is one part of controlling the spread of COVID-19. Even with the vaccine being administered, we should continue to practice good hygiene, wear masks and physically distance. 

    Do I have to take the vaccination?

    Vaccinations are voluntary.

    Do I have to be vaccinated through the State's employee program? Can I go elsewhere?

    You do not have to be vaccinated through the State's program. Please see "Already Received the Vaccine?" below.

    Have you already received the vaccine?

    If you have already received a vaccine outside of the State's vaccine program, please let us know by completing this quick survey so we can better manage the inventory to ensure all State employees' needs are met.

    Vaccine Type / Manufacturer

    • State employees are receiving the Moderna vaccine. Here is the drug fact sheet.
    • The State Farm Stadium location in Glendale is using the Pfizer vaccine. 
    • You cannot mix the kinds of vaccines you receive. If your first dose was the Moderna vaccine, for example, your second dose must also be Moderna.
    • Two vaccinations are required for maximum effectiveness. The second vaccination will occur at approx. 3-4 weeks later. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We know you have questions about the vaccine process, please see these frequently asked questions.