Governor Hutchinson COVID Update

State officials are opening up the requirements for Arkansans to receive their COVID-19 booster shot.

Previously, booster shots were only recommended for older Arkansans and younger folks living or working in high-risk settings. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced on Monday the state is now recommending everyone 18 and older receive a booster shot if they have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19.

Arkansans are eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot if they are 18 or older and received either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, that minimum is two months.

During the press conference, Dr. Jose Romero reiterated his appeal to Arkansas parents to vaccinate their eligible children. The FDA and CDC approved Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month for children aged five to 11.

In state COVID-19 figures, the Arkansas Department of Health reported an additional 151 cases across the state on Monday. Active cases fell by 351 to 4,785 currently. Deaths increased by 12 on Monday for a total of 8,579 since the pandemic began.