Dr. Cara Christ takes questions from media on the University of Arizona Mall on the university's first day as a state vaccination site.
Dr. Cara Christ takes questions from media on the University of Arizona Mall on the university's first day as a state vaccination site.
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins gives opening remarks during a media briefing on the university's transition to a state vaccination site.
Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire called the university's vaccination site a "well-oiled machine."
Dr. Cara Christ tours the UArizona vaccination site, one of three high-capacity state sites and the first in southern Arizona.
From left: President Robert C. Robbins, Dr. Cara Christ, Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire and Juan Ciscomani in front of a "Vaccinated!" photo backdrop at the UArizona vaccination site.
Aerial view of the University of Arizona's drive-thru vaccination site.
Aerial view of the University of Arizona's drive-thru vaccination site.
The University of Arizona transitioned to being a high-capacity state COVID-19 vaccination site on Feb. 18.
Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ visited the University of Arizona Mall on its first day as a state site. She gave remarks alongside University President Robert C. Robbins, Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire and Juan Ciscomani, senior advisor for regional and international affairs in the governor's office.
"We're very excited about the expansion of the vaccination POD here at the University of Arizona, and we're proud to serve the people of southern Arizona," Robbins said at the event.
Since mid-January, the university had served as a vaccine point of distribution in partnership with Pima County other community partners. The shift to a state-run site means it may eventually be able to operate 24/7 and serve up to 6,000 to 8,000 people per day. This is Arizona's third high-capacity state vaccination site and the first such site in southern Arizona.
Christ, an alumna of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, praised the work the university has done to vaccinate Pima County residents.
"We are thrilled to work with our partners to position southern Arizona to rapidly expand vaccine distribution as our federal supply grows," Christ said. "The University of Arizona's vaccination site has a proven record of success."
The UArizona's vaccine site is located on the east end of the University of Arizona Mall, and includes a drive-thru clinic as well as a sit-down clinic for those who don't have access to a vehicle. Appointments are required for both locations; walk-ins are not accepted.
McGuire described the university vaccination site as a "very well-oiled machine," adding that the sit-down clinic is a unique feature not available other state-run sites.
Those who are eligible for vaccination in the state's Priority Phase 1B can schedule appointments as they become available through the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
Event photos: Chris Richards/University of Arizona. Aerial photos: Kyle Mittan/UANews.