Vaccine clinic set for May 5

Saturday, May 1, 2021

In the April 28 covid-19 update, Mississippi County health officer Dr. Valencia Andrews-Pirtle announced a vaccine clinic is scheduled for May 5.

UAMS is sponsoring the clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville. However, at least 40 people must be registered prior to May 5 for the event to take place.

Those looking to sign up can call 501-526-2211 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This clinic will feature the Pfizer vaccine, opening the opportunity for everyone 16 and above.

“They’re still working on getting [Pfizer] to a lower age, but right now it has not been passed for younger children. But this is an opportunity for some of our sports teams and the same people will return for their second vaccination. We want our kids to have a great summer and be safe. So if we can get the kids 16 and up all vaccinated, that would be great.”

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders went on to reiterate that vaccine clinics have no effect on the supply of other vaccines at places like Walmart, Walgreens, hospitals or local pharmacies. Citizens can still call these various places to join their waitlists.

Pirtle also addressed the concerns around the Johnson and Johnson vaccination and the possible side effects that have been associated with it.

“You have more chance of being struck by lightning than experiencing those symptoms from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Especially if you’re a male, it seems. Why do women get more of these things than men, we don’t know. But so many people who received the vaccine had no problems and we have to look at that too,” Pirtle said. “I get the concern, I really do, but the chances of getting those side effects are really slim.”

Additionally, Sanders reported 26 active cases in Mississippi County, compared to 28 in the previous report on April 7. There have been spikes in some neighboring counties however, especially Craighead. On April 7 they recorded only 58 active cases but have surged back to 101.

Other active case counts in Northeast Arkansas counties include, 52 in Crittenton, 24 in Greene and 20 in Poinsett.