DANVILLE, Va. – More Southside residents are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside health districts are now in Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccine distribution program, meaning those 65 and older may now request the coronavirus vaccine. This means about half of Virginia is now eligible to receive the vaccine.

On Monday, health officials also began vaccinating police officers, fire and EMS workers, teachers, public transit workers, judicial workers and anyone with a chronic health condition.

Those who were vaccinated in Phase 1a have already started receiving their second dose of the vaccine.

Those 65 years and older, as well as those 16-64 years with high-risk medical conditions who live in either Danville and Pittsylvania County should call 434-766-9828.

Availability remains a problem and many are being placed on waiting lists until the state receives another batch of the vaccine.