News release by the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania/Danville Health District (PDHD) and Southside Health District (SSHD) will expand vaccination efforts to Phase 2. All individuals in the PDHD and SSHD age 16 and older will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Monday, April 5.
“We are pleased to begin offering appointments to all members of general public in Pittsylvania/Danville Health District and Southside Health District that have pre-registered,” said Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the PDHD and SSHD. “However, those with the highest risk will continue to receive priority in the scheduling process.”
To date, nearly 30,000 people in the PDHD and more than 23,000 people in SSHD have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In PDHD, more than 14,500 are fully vaccinated and, in SSHD, nearly 12,500 are fully vaccinated.
Everyone interested in receiving a vaccination should pre-register, as completely as possible, to include appropriate essential worker category, at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
When you receive your appointment for a vaccine, please follow these guidelines at the vaccination site:
- Appointments are required at all locations for COVID-19 vaccination in our area. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please pre-register to be contacted for an appointment.
- Please plan to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. Too many people arriving too early causes backups.
- Please wear “vaccine ready” clothing to the extent feasible (with easy access to your upper arm).
In the meantime, it is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention. Continue to protect yourself and others: cover your mouth and nose with a mask, wash your hands often, stay at least six feet away from others and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household.
You can learn more about the vaccine, its safety and answers to frequently asked questions at VDH’s website and CDC’s website.