There's lots of new information regarding locations for the coronavirus vaccine and how to sign up. The state has a new website that shows each location available with info how to register. There's also this version that loads a bit easier on some devices.
The state has also setup a hotline, 1-844-542-8201 and still has its patient portal. However, many people are reporting issues with both, with long wait times on the phone and the inability to actually register on the state's website being widely reported.
The federal government also announced plans to open up the vaccination to more of the population sooner than first expected. Currently, only those in phase 1A and those 75 and older can get vaccinated here in Cochise County, until Jan. 23, when it is set to open up to the rest of those who fall under phase 1B.
I have received numerous calls from frustrated readers who can't find a vaccine location near them, or the ones near them are full. I have called the hotline and hung up after 30 minutes with nothing but an automated response. The process, quite frankly, is not working. We will continue to put the best information available out there for you, while also pressing to see when more shots are on the way and more clinics available to the public.
What has your experience been with the vaccine so far? Have you managed to get your first dose yet, or are you registered for one? If you're not yet eligible, do you plan on getting one soon? Or are you avoiding the whole situation, either until more data is available, or forever?
I did get my first covid vaccination Thursday the 21st in Bisbee. I finally found a pod. after frustrating days of looking and applying on the Cochise county health portal I finally found a spot and jumped on it. After the application was printed out it was all good. Everyone at the vaccination site was helpful and efficient, and I am happy to have received my first injection. The website was hard to figure out how to print my application I thought I was going to lose out because of not knowing how to print it, but I finally accomplished it.
I,too am extremely frustrated with the COVID vaccine procedures in Sierra Vista. Today, 22 January, there are 7 PODS available to get a vaccine in Sierra Vista. Yet, when I get in the website to make An appointment, there are ZERO available. I checked for an appointment from 22 Jan Through 5 Feb, and nothing. I called 3 of the doctor’s offices listed and they had no vaccine available and didn’t know when they were going to get it. I put my name on their list. My doctor’s put in to give the vaccine, but they don’t know if they’ll get approved to give the vaccine. I am registered as Class 1b, 75 years old & diabetic. Newspaper stated there were drive thru vaccine available in Sierra Vista, but didn’t state when nor where. What is going on? The Cochise County Health Department is obviously not providing us with truthful information and never answer the phone! By the way, vaccine map shows the health center on Foothills in Sierra as a place to get the vaccine. Yeah, right!!!
The lack of vaccine for Cochise Co. is not unexpected. Check out the larger county availability around Phoenix and Tucson, do they have the same concerns? I do not think so. Also the distribution of information by Cochise Co. is not good. The last time I checked, Douglas is not to be found, so all us old folks in Douglas will have to find a way to get to SV or Bisbee, not good.
I find that it is impossible to find a slot in the cochise portal It takes about 15 minutes to fill in all the questions and then all of the slots always say none is available. Is there any way to get the vaccine any other way? I am a 77 year old care giver for my brother in law who takes my care full time. He is totally bedbound and incontinent, what will hapen to him if I am incapacitated? I can see at this rate I will not be able to ever get the vaccine.