By Graham Smithson
Arkansascovid.com
As Arkansas vaccination efforts rise, the Hot Springs community is stepping up to do their part.
In recent weeks, large vaccination events have taken place at the Garland County Fairgrounds to administer both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Home Instead, a senior care service, partnered with the Oaklawn Center on Aging and The Caring Place to coordinate vaccination events for Hot Springs residents.
Lee Kathryn Lackey, the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for Home Instead, said she has noticed a positive turnaround in vaccination efforts.
“The vaccine is readily available,” Lackey said. “Things are changing in a positive way very fast.”
So far, 500 people have fully received the Pfizer vaccine, and another 400 have received the first dose at the fairgrounds. Additionally, 1,100 doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered.
Garland County ranks in the top ten among Arkansas counties that have administered a second COVID-19 vaccination dose to residents. As of March 10, Garland County has 10,597 residents who have received a second dose of either vaccine. A total of 277,008 Arkansans has received a second vaccine, equating to 11.6%.
“We have had so many great volunteers, and the people are so grateful; everything has gone smoothly,” said Lackey.
Another 1,500 doses are scheduled for next week at the fairgrounds.