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Arkansas Governor Expands Covid Vaccine Eligibility

Arkansas Department of Health

ARKANSAS VACCINATIONS-Arkansas is expanding eligibility for coronavirus vaccines to another 180,000 people.  Gov. Asa Hutchinson made the  announcement  yesterday  and said the state  would  fully  open  up  the  shots  to  the remainder  of  the  1B  category  under  its vaccination  plan.

"We're adding all of those in food and agriculture, people with intellectual developmental disabilities, essential government workers, grocery store, meal delivery, postal-package delivery service, public transit, houses of worship, manufacturing, all of those that are dealing really in a public-facing or in a close environment or critical industry that needs to be covered," Hutchinson explained.

"We're opening up a statewide vaccination appointment system and this is supplementary to our existing system where you can call a pharmacy or a provider for an appointment," Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas

Credit Courtesy: Office of the Governor, State of Ark.
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Courtesy: Office of the Governor, State of Ark.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announces expansion of eligibility for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Hutchinson said the decision was made after demand was less than anticipated at vaccine clinics the state held over the weekend.  He said the state needs to keep up demand for the shots and also announced another way for Arkansans to find out where to get vaccinated and set up an appointment.

"We're opening up a statewide vaccination appointment system and this is supplementary to our existing system where you can call a pharmacy or  a provider for an appointment," Hutchinson said."

Hutchinson said the call center was added to give those without internet access or who are technically challenged  a  simpler way to set up an appointment.  The Arkansas Vaccine Call Center’s number  is  800-985-6030 , it became operable yesterday and is available state wide.

ARKANSAS VACCINE CALL CENTER :  1 (800) 985-6030

  

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.