UPDATED: March 25, 2021
Though the development of a COVID-19 vaccine has followed an accelerated timeline, safety has been the top priority.
Vaccinations began in Arkansas shortly after authorization was granted for the initial vaccine. The initial recipients in Arkansas are health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.
There won’t be enough vaccine initially for all adults who want to receive it. Supply will increase as 2021 continues, and additional vaccines may also be authorized.
Who’s getting the vaccine now?
Phase 1-C has started, which means vaccinations are happening now for:
- Arkansans aged 16 to 64 with health conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19.
- Essential workers in:
- Energy
- Finance
- Foodservice
- Information technology and communications
- Legal
- Media
- Public health/human services
- Public safety
- Shelter and housing
- Transportation and logistics
- People residing in high-risk settings
- Includes those who are incarcerated or detained; those living in group homes, congregate settings, or crowded housing; and student housing such as dorms and Greek housing.
Click here for more information about these groups.
Arkansans in Phase 1-B also remain eligible, which means vaccinations can happen now for:
- 65 years and older
- Education
- Police, fire, other first responders
- Corrections
- Food and Agriculture
- People with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Essential Government
- Grocery Store/Meal Delivery
- Postal/Package Delivery Service
- Public Transit
- Houses of Worship Clergy/Faith Leaders
- Manufacturing
Click here for more information about these groups.
Vaccinations can also continue for groups in Phase 1-A, including health care workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities and these high priority groups: EMS, fire, and law enforcement who serve as first responders, primary care, urgent care, college/university student health center, K-12 health clinics and school nurses, dental clinics, pharmacies, home health, private care/personal care, hospice care, dialysis centers, correctional staff involved in patient care and transfer, morticians/funeral home staff involved in direct contact or conducting transports and blood donation centers.
How can I get the vaccine?
If you are a long-term care resident or staff member, you will likely receive the vaccine through a clinic at the facility. If you work in a hospital, you will likely receive the vaccine through a clinic at your worksite. Others who are in 1-A can receive the vaccine through a community-based pharmacy. Click here for a map and a full list of those pharmacies around the state.
Eligible Arkansans can also make an appointment at a community pharmacy. Vaccine clinics and events may also be available in your area through hospitals, health care providers, or your worksite. Click here for a list of clinics. For those who work in education, the district, facility, or college/university should determine how many doses are needed, and then reach out to an ADH Local Health Unit or a community pharmacy to schedule a vaccination clinic.
Map of Community Pharmacies that Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
Resources for Public
Resources for Health Care Workers
Pharmacies providing vaccine to health care workers in phase 1A
Resources for Providers