PHOENIX — Getting a leg up on everyone else in his age group, Gov. Doug Ducey got his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday morning.
But his press aide insists he wasn’t jumping the line.
In an unannounced event, Ducey got Dr. Cara Christ, the state health director, to administer the shot to him Tuesday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. That is one of the state-run sites for inoculations.
Only later did the Governor’s Office put out a news release, video and photos of the event. Those included an explanation that, at age 56, Ducey was now eligible.
That followed Christ’s announcement Monday that the process is now open to anyone age 55 and older at the two state-run sites in Maricopa County, though not yet everywhere in the state, including not yet in Pima County.
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What the governor’s release did not say is that when Christ announced the change on Monday, she said that no one in the 55-64 age group could sign up before noon Tuesday to even get an appointment. Ducey’s news release came more than an hour before noon.
And even then, anyone in that age group who did manage to get through the state registration system — online at — would not be scheduled for a vaccination until at least Thursday, if not later.
Certain younger people have been eligible to get the vaccine based on their occupations, but Ducey did not fit into any of those categories.
“The governor did not jump the line,†said his publicist C.J. Karamargin. Instead, he said, the goal was to create a public service video.
“We had a message to get out about the importance of getting the vaccine, that we were opening up to a category that includes a lot more people,†Karamargin said.
They did not invite the media, he conceded, who then would have publicized the announcement but also would have been able to ask Ducey questions about the state’s handling of the virus and other issues.
“We chose not to,†Karamargin said. “We chose to approach this important announcement by letting people know about it with a video and a press release.â€
And the fact that Ducey got inoculated for the PSA ahead of everyone else in his age group?
“This is what leading by example looks like,†Karamargin responded.
Photos: COVID-19 vaccinations in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Pima County
COVID-19 vaccination clinic, retirement community
Otilia Aragon, a resident of The Fountains at La Cholla retirement community, reaches out to touch the face of her daughter Melinda Aragon-Morales, a pharmacist with CVS, who administered the Moderna vaccine to her mother during a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination clinic at The Inn At The Fountains, 5830 N Fountains Ave., on Feb. 9, 2021. "I was really excited," Morales said about administering the vaccine to her mother, "especially in this kind of setting where we haven’t been able to see [family] in a long time." Morales had not seen her mother in several months due to the ongoing pandemic. The clinic is the first of two days where the 585 residents and staff at the retirement community will receive vaccinations for COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccinations, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall
People are directed into the line at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s COVID-19 drive-thru vaccination facilities on the UA Mall in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., February 5, 2021.
COVID-19, clinic, TCC
The line wends though the parking lots and along the southeastern doors and windows outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center as hundreds wait in line for hours to get the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., February 4, 2021. The age cut off for vaccination was lowered to 70 years of age.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Resident Victor Braun laughs with a CVS Pharmacy health care worker after getting his first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. The facility's residents and staff were part of a two day vaccination program in conjunction with CVS Pharmacy and monitored by the in-house personnel from TMCOne clinic.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
A health care worker with CVS Pharmacy preloads a syringe with the first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. The facility's residents and staff were part of a two day vaccination program in conjunction with CVS and monitored by the in-house personnel from TMCOne clinic.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Gordon Starr quickly gets his first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. Starr was among the facility's residents and staff taking part in a two day vaccination program in conjunction with CVS Pharmacy and monitored by the in-house personnel from TMCOne clinic.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Nurse Jose Cruz helps member Nelda Clark get her next appointment photographed and stored in her phone after she got her first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. The facility's residents and staff were part of a two day vaccination program in conjunction with CVS Pharmacy and monitored by the in-house personnel from TMCOne clinic.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
James Sugg gets his first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. Shannon Ruedlinger, executive director of the facility said that 250 doses were scheduled to be administered to staff and residents there during their two day vaccination program.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Member Terrence Carden get his first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine on the second day of a two program at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. Shannon Ruedlinger, executive director of the facility said that 250 doses were scheduled to be administered to staff and residents there during their two day vaccination program.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Constance Jill Hofer gets her first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., January 27, 2021. Shannon Ruedlinger, executive director of the facility said that 250 doses were scheduled to be administered to staff and residents there during their two day vaccination program. Vaccinations were administered in conjunction with CVS and members monitored by the facility's in-house TMCOne nurses.
COVID-19 vaccinations, PIma County, Hacienda at the Canyon
Right now, Pima County is in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan and is inoculating people 70 and older, and law enforcement, education and child care providers.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Clifford Daigler, registered nurse, receives a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020. Banner-University Medical Center and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center began administering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers in Pima County. TMC administered 1,100 total vaccines between their two clinic sites in the first day of vaccinations, said Claudia Koreny, director of pharmacy for TMC.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Needles containing the Moderna vaccine in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center drive-thru tent at, on Jan. 5, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Ann Boice receives the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine during the administration vaccination to members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility of at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Annie Waits, a volunteer nurse and vaccinator, administers the Moderna vaccine to a patient in the drive-thru program at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, on Jan. 5, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Steve Patalsky, left, associate director of pediatric bone-marrow transplant, goes over information about the COVID-19 vaccine with Sayea Jenabzadeh, nurse anesthetist, inside the COVID-19 vaccine observation stage at Banner-University Medicine North, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020. The first round of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines were given to healthcare workers at Banner-University Medical Center and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Amy Lopez, left, registered nurse in peri-operative service, and her husband Dr. Mike Lopez, anesthesiologist, talk while waiting for their 15 minutes observation period after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020. The first round of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines are given in Pima County to healthcare workers at Banner-University Medical Center and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center. "It felt like a normal shot," said Amy Lopez. When asked if they were nervous, Dr. Mike Lopez answered "I was ready to be patient one."
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Samantha Penn, pharmacist, waits in line with other healthcare workers while people get checked-in for their COVID-19 vaccination appointments at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
After receiving the second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Pima County, Melissa Zukowski, medical director of emergency department at Banner-University Medicine ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, gives a thumbs-ups to her daughter Sophia Smallwood, left, at Banner-University Medicine North, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Leticia Riesgo, a City of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ employee, helps check people into the vaccination clinic for Phase 1B.1.b Prioritized Essential Workers at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center, on Jan. 21, 2021. The TCC clinic administered 686 out of a projected 600 vaccines on Jan. 20. They were over 300 vaccinations at midday on Jan. 21.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
A person walks past a sign for the vaccination clinic for Phase 1B.1.b Prioritized Essential Workers at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center, on Jan. 21, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Iris Delfakis, oncology nurse navigator for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Cancer Center, looks to other nurses as she waits to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Cristina Torres.
at Banner-University Medicine North, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 17, 2020. The first round of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines are given in Pima County went to healthcare workers at Banner-University Medical Center and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Officer Roman Acosta is administered the Moderna vaccine at a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine clinic at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center located at 260 S. Church Ave., on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Tal Caspi, a volunteer, answers questions for members of the public before they receive their first vaccine shot for the coronavirus at the Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on January 18, 2021. Members of the public who fall into the Phase 1B group are eligible for the vaccine at this time. Phase 1B includes people over 75 years old, educators and first responders.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Tom Woythal, 85, and his wife, Elizabeth, 82, wait for their opportunity to receive a vaccination shot for the coronavirus at the Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on January 18, 2021. Woythal says he had been waiting 55 minutes but was happy to wait. Members of the public who fall into the Phase 1B group are eligible for the vaccine at this time. Phase 1B includes people over 75 years old, educators and first responders.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
A patient looks over paperwork while waiting 15 minutes after receiving the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department Chief Chris Magnus receives the Moderna vaccine at a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine clinic at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center located at 260 S. Church Ave., on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
People wait in the to be given the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility are now being allowed to receive the vaccination at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
People eligible for the 1B phase of Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination stand in line outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center to receive the shot, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
A pharmacist prepares a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to be administered to members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility of at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Sgt. Michael Moseley receives the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine during the administration of the vaccination to members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility of at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
People eligible for the 1B phase of Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination stand in line outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center to receive the shot, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Pharmacists prepare Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations to be administered to members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility of at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Mike Collier, a volunteer doctor with the Medical Reserve Corps, administers a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine while working his shift in the drive-thru vaccination program at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, on Jan. 8, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
“We thought this would be a more efficient and timely process,†says ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ AARP director Dana Kennedy. “Did they overpromise?â€
COVID-19 vaccinations, Pima County
Pharmacist Keith Boesen (right) drops off needles containing the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at the station of Mike Collier (left), a volunteer doctor with the Medical Reserve Corps, during the drive-thru vaccination program at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center, on Jan. 8, 2021.
