ACHI, ADH NOW TRACKING VACCINATION RATES BY COMMUNITY, ZIP CODE, SCHOOL DISTRICT

LITTLE ROCK ― The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement expanded its reporting of local COVID-19 data Tuesday with the addition of vaccination rates by community and ZIP code. The project is a joint effort between ACHI and the Arkansas Department of Health.

ADH analyzed vaccination data as of Aug. 23 to determine the number of fully vaccinated residents of each of the state’s geographically distinct public school districts and each of the state’s ZIP codes. ACHI calculated the percentage of fully vaccinated residents among the total population of each area and displayed the results with interactive, color-coded maps on its COVID-19 in Arkansas web page at achi.net/covid19. ACHI also used ADH data to create a table showing vaccination rates for Arkansas communities, based on ZIP codes and city associations designated by the U.S Postal Service.

The map showing vaccination rates among residents in school districts debuted on ACHI’s website on Aug. 25. On Tuesday, ACHI added information on vaccination rates at the community and ZIP code levels and merged all of the information into its existing dashboard showing COVID-19 infection rates in school districts, communities, and ZIP codes.

ACHI plans to update the dashboard later this week and on a weekly basis thereafter. Trend tables for vaccination rates will be added soon.

“This is part of our continuing effort to provide local-level information to policymakers, community leaders, and parents as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson. “We look forward to seeing these vaccination rates increase as more Arkansans go from unprotected to protected.”

Arkansas Municipal League Executive Director Mark Hayes hailed the reporting of community-level vaccination rates.

“This is a welcome addition to the local-level COVID-19 data on ACHI’s website,” Hayes said. “Arkansas communities will now be able to track not only their COVID-19 infection rates but also their progress in getting protected.”

Data for Arkansas residents who received vaccinations in neighboring states are not currently available, which may result in some vaccination rates being underreported.

ACHI is a nonpartisan, independent health policy center that serves as a catalyst for improving the health of all Arkansans through evidence-based research, public issue advocacy, and collaborative program development.

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