Two days after Gov. Hutchinson opened eligibility for all Arkansans 16 and older, local entities teamed up to announce a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.
Vaccines will be distributed by appointment on four dates — April 10, May 1, May 22 and June 12 — where organizers are prepared to vaccinate 1,000 – 2,000 people each day.
Not available on those dates? Here’s how to find a vaccine (and what to know before you go).
The large-scale community event is a combined effort between the cities of North Little Rock and Sherwood, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, UAMS, Pulaski County and Simmons Bank Arena.
“Vaccine distribution continues in Pulaski County and across our state,” Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde said at a press conference announcing the clinic. “However, in Pulaski County, fewer than 30% of our population has received at least one dose, and approximately 12% are fully vaccinated. All eligible vaccine recipients are strongly encouraged to receive a vaccine at the first opportunity.”
Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman Young echoed Hyde’s urgency.
“While there is reason for optimism, we need vaccine numbers to rise at a faster pace,” Young said. “We need to vaccinate more Arkansans so we can maintain that promising outlook and protect the public from this disease.”
Operating hours for the clinic will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Masks are required and the entrance will be at the box office on the lower level. There is no out-of-pocket cost, but attendees should bring an ID and, if available, an insurance card. Patients younger than 18 must bring a parent or guardian.
To schedule your appointment, call (501) 526-2211 or click here to book online.
“Bringing the vaccine to everyone in every Arkansas community requires a big tent,” said Michael Marion, Simmons Bank Arena general manager. “Our arena is that tent. We have hosted many types of activities, performances and celebrities, but few, if any, have had the importance of these vaccination clinics.”
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