The good news about COVID-19 vaccinations in north central Arkansas is that thanks to the Delta variant raging through the state, a large portion of residents in the region are beginning to receive the COVID-19 vaccination shots.
The bad news is despite the Delta variant raging through the state, north central Arkansas counties lag when it comes to residents accepting the fact the vaccine is very effective in combating the virus.
Yet a clear majority of local physicians strongly stress the vaccine shots are safe and effective despite the massive amount of misinformation circulating — primarily through the internet and social media.
***
Recent information shows Independence County has just under 31 percent of its residents fully immunized and 8.8 percent partially immunized. So we can say within the next three weeks, Independence County will grow above 40 percent of its population that will be fully vaccinated.
In Stone County, 31.4 percent of its residents are fully vaccinated with 4.5 partially. Looking at the next three weeks, that puts Stone slightly behind Independence County when comes to the percentages of those who will be fully immunized.
Of note: Cleburne County is also making progress and will soon have around 42 percent of its population fully vaccinated.
Also of note: While White County currently has 476 active cases of COVID-19, Independence County is only recording roughly half of that amount of active cases with 239. But while White County — which is larger than Independence in terms of population — has recorded 132 deaths, the latter county is knocking on the door of that amount with 129 COVID-related deaths.
Here are recent numbers from the north central Arkansas region:
ACTIVE CASES:
Independence County: 239
Sharp County: 104
Izard County: 94
Stone County: 69
Cleburne County: 197
White County: 476
Jackson County: 60
DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO COVID IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Independence County: 129
Sharp County: 50
Izard County: 45
Stone County: 32
Cleburne County: 74
White County: 132
Jackson County: 38
Since the pandemic began, 2,100 residents of Arkansas nursing homes have died from the virus.
For COVID-19 statistics from the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.
If you have yet to be immunized against COVID-19, White River Now urges you to talk to your trusted local physician about the COVID-19 vaccine. Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
