Officers, firemen get vaccine

During Blytheville Mayor James Sanders’ weekly COVID-19 Zoom meeting Wednesday, Dr. Valencia Andrews-Pirtle reported that staff of the Blytheville School District will receive the vaccine on Jan. 27 and staff of the Gosnell School District will be vaccinated on Jan. 28 at their respective high schools.

Delta Drug of Manila is coordinating with the local schools for the vaccine clinics.

Mayor Sanders said he is glad to see the vaccine clinics at the schools to protect students and staff.

Pirtle noted those over 70 may now contact Rose Pharmacy by phone or fax to get on the list for the vaccine. Those shots will be given at Wagner Clinic in Blytheville.

As of Wednesday, Pirtle said there have been 140 vaccinations in Blytheville and 185 in Osceola thanks to a recent vaccination event.

Blytheville police officers and firemen were among those vaccinated at the Osceola event at South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center.

“A lot of us have sore arms,” Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson quipped, noting none of the 30 officers who received the Moderna vaccine had reactions.

Thompson explained the process.

He said they had to fill out a health questionnaire, provide information, and wait 15 minutes after getting the shot.

Thompson suggested wearing a shirt that one could roll up easily.

“I’m really proud of the number of officers of the Blytheville Police Department that did this,” Thompson said, adding he would like 100 percent of the department vaccinated if they can.

He is working to get support staff and reserve officers on the vaccination list.

The chief reported one staff member and one officer have tested positive and they are in quarantine.

Meanwhile, Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney said he also got his first round of the Moderna vaccine Tuesday and has no side effects.

“I couldn’t even tell I got a shot,” Carney said.

His second shot will be Feb. 9.

Carney noted a fireman has been tested after having symptoms and he is awaiting results. His rapid test was negative.

Mayor Sanders said he is anxious to get his vaccine; he is in the 1-B category.

The mayor encouraged everyone to get the vaccine, along with washing their hands, social distancing and wearing masks.

Dr. Pirtle pointed out after the first shot, patients have about 50 percent immunity. She said after the second shot, it takes two to five weeks to become 90 percent immune.

Dr. Pirtle said the second shot seems to be a little worse than the first shot; the arm gets sorer, which is a sign of the body making antibodies.

Dr. Pirtle said one can take ibuprofen or ice the arm to ease the pain.

She said one can still catch Covid after the first shot, so social distancing and masks are still suggested.

As of Wednesday, there were 132 active positive locations in the Blytheville area, which was up about 30 from the previous week.

As of press time, there had been 4,817 cases in Mississippi County; 236 active; 4,479 recoveries; and 101 deaths.