How to find a COVID-19 vaccine in metro Phoenix

Arizonans should be able to get the updated COVID vaccines early next week.

Catch up quick: The CDC on Tuesday recommended the new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for anyone ages 6 months and older.

• The shots are expected to take aim at circulating strains, including the EG.5, or Eris, strain, which the CDC said accounted for 21.5% of cases as of Sept. 2, as well as a newer variant, FL.1.5.1, dubbed Fornax, which accounted for 14.5% of U.S. infections.

Why it matters: The new, fast-spreading variants led to an increase in COVID cases across Arizona starting in late July, per Arizona Department of Health Services data.

• While these strains are less deadly than previous ones, hospitalizations were up in August.

Zoom in: Both CVS and Walgreens announced they expect to have the updated shots available at all locations by Monday. Some pharmacies may receive them as early as today.

Between the lines: The Maricopa County Public Health Department has ordered the vaccines but does not yet know when they will arrive, spokesperson Sonia Singh tells Axios Phoenix.

• When they do, the department will offer them at its clinics.

Of note: The new vaccine is covered by all insurances. There are government assistance programs to cover the cost for the uninsured.

Yes, but: Experts say people without insurance will have a harder time accessing vaccines because the federal government is no longer guaranteeing their availability at no cost, Axios' Maya Goldman and Jason Millman report.