A state-run “super pod” COVID-19 vaccination site opened Monday at the Yuma Civic Center.
More vaccines are arriving in Yuma County and it is getting easier to schedule appointments after Arizona health officials opened up eligibility to anyone over the age of 16.
When you arrive at the civic center, you check in and then go inside where up to 10 stations are available for vaccines. You then wait in distanced seating for observation and a volunteer comes to check in to see how you're feeling and to schedule your second dose appointment. Face coverings are, of course, required.
Samantha Navarrete, a student at Cibola High School, received the Pfizer vaccine Monday.
“I liked it," Navarrete said. "It was quick and easy. I’m excited I got the vaccine today.”
Navarrete's mother Sandra said it was a quick trip.
"I thought it was simple and easy," Sandra Navarrete said. "Everybody was respectful. They maintained distance, which I loved. It was very organized."
Officials say 1,000 vaccines are available daily with plans to increase to 4,000 vaccines a day in the near future. Patient Craig Runyan of Somerton said it’s a smooth operation.
“I was impressed," Runyan said. "Super quick. I showed up 25 minutes early for my appointment. They took me right in. I waited 10 minutes in line. Couldn’t even feel the shot. You’re good to go.”
The Yuma site is managed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma County and the City of Yuma.
Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire, Adjutant General for Arizona and the Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, said the indoors Yuma site will serve as a model around the state as sites transition from outdoors to indoors for the warm summer months.
