The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines are set to arrive in Yuma County this week.
Yuma County will receive 4,800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine between Monday and Wednesday.
County Health Director Diana Gomez told reporters Thursday vaccinations will take place soon thereafter for frontline medical workers.
“Basically our health care providers that have daily interaction with COVID patients are going to be among the first to receive the vaccine along with our first responders,” Gomez said.
The county health department will partner with Yuma Regional Medical Center, Sunset Health and the Regional Center for Border Health.
Vaccines are expected for the general public around March or April, if not sooner, Gomez said.
Gomez said Yuma County is receiving the Moderna vaccine because it is more favorable to a rural location as it does not require being stored in extremely cold temperatures like the Pfizer vaccine requires. Those are mostly going to larger urban areas.
Health care workers in Phoenix began receiving the vaccine earlier this week.
Gomez said she and other health officials want to ensure residents the vaccines are safe. They will be free.
Gomez urged residents to continue to take all precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially during the upcoming holiday season. She said all people need to continue to stay as home as much as possible, avoid large indoor gatherings, wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
"Outdoor gatherings are better than indoor ones, small gatherings are better than large ones," Gomez said.
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Stay tuned to KAWC for more on the vaccines coming to Yuma and La Paz counties.
