Gov. Hutchinson COVID Update

State officials continue to urge Arkansans to receive their vaccinations and boosters against COVID-19 amidst a recent uptick in cases. During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reminded Arkansans that booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 18 and up. 

Recent studies, including in the November edition of Science, suggested there is a sizable drop in vaccine effectiveness over time. With that in mind, Hutchinson particularly encouraged Arkansans aged 65 and older to get their booster shot in order to maintain their immunity to the virus. Especially, he added, given the spread of the recently discovered Omicron variant.

Dr. Jose Romero, Arkansas Health Secretary, also suggested a three-dose vaccination series may be come standard. That would be similar to other multi-dose innoculations, he said. 

Concerning Arkansas’ COVID-19 figures, the Department of Health reported 932 new cases on Tuesday for a statewide cumulative total of over 543,000 since the pandemic began. Active cases saw a net increase of 249 for a current total of 7,400. Deaths rose by 24 over the same period, raising that figure to 8,776 since the spring of 2020.