Vaccinations pass million mark, VA to vaccinate all veterans

Gov. Asa Hutchinson expressed pleasure over the number of vaccination given in the state as well as the low cases numbers during his weekly COVID-19 briefing Tuesday.

“It’s very good news what we continue to see in Arkansas,” he said. He announced the state has passed the 1 million vaccination mark in the state when combined with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for federal prisons and the Veterans Health System.

Hutchinson said the state is close to his 1.1 million vaccine by the end of the month goal.

Hutchinson shared Arkansas Department of Health data showing 119 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for a total of 258,383 cumulative cases. Active confirmed cases fell by 83 to 1,527 with 252,393 recoveries.

Probable cases rose by 120 to 70,563 with 736 active and 68,700 recoveries.

Confirmed deaths went up by five to 4,433 and the number of probable deaths were reduced by two to 1,114.

Hospitalizations decreased by 11 to 173 with 40 on ventilators.

The state received results for 3,315 PCR tests and 1,150 antigen tests.

Hutchinson said testing is at a moderate level. He added those who do not have symptoms or a reason for concern do not get tested. Nationally, there have been The state received 68,000 additional doses of vaccine this week. He expects another increase next week.

Hutchinson expressed concern that because people are not seeing the high number of cases they are not getting vaccinated.

“When its your turn, get your shot,” he said.

The state has 340,000 residents who are fully immunized. Hutchinson said it continues to be important to get vaccinated.

Hutchinson encouraged anyone who travels during spring break or takes part in a gathering get tested after they return.

Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero said not to ignore symptoms, but get tested.

Dr. Margie Scott, of the Central Arkansas Veterans Health System, announced the Health System is currently offering the vaccine to all eligible veterans age 18 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare.

“So no longer an age limit and we are very excited about that,” Scott said.

The vaccines will be available to veterans from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at John L. McClellan

Memorial Veterans Hospital, a drive-through clinic at Fort Roots in North Little Rock 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through

Sunday or at any VA outpatient clinic by appointment.

“We want to make this vaccine available for all our heroes in Arkansas,” Scott said.

She emphasized the vaccine is both safe and effective. She said the side affects are minor and the vaccine does not

alter DNA.

Hutchinson said with testing numbers low, he would like to do some surveillance testing, but when they tried with the schools there was resistance. He added it is hard to get participants.

Romero said testing continues in longterm care facilities.

Hutchinson said he wants to see more of 1-C vaccinated before the state moves on.

To encourage more vaccine participation, he said the state is engaging in advertising in education. They are also working with companies to encourage their employees to get vaccinated.

Based on the numbers, Hutchinson believes the mask mandate will be lifted March 31.