The Western Tidewater Health District announced Friday that it will begin the transition to Phase 1C vaccinations this week.

The decision to move from one phase to the next is made in coordination with local and state health officials and is dependent upon a variety of factors. Before moving to 1C, the WTHD made strong efforts to reach all those eligible in 1A and 1B populations, particularly communities that have been disproportionately impacted, such as communities of color, according to a press release from the Virginia Department of Health. The demand for vaccine has decreased among 1A and 1B populations.

“I am elated to announce Western Tidewater Health District will be moving into phase 1C of vaccination efforts,” said Dr. Lauren James, interim health director for the Western Tidewater Health District. “This transition will allow us to expand those eligible for vaccinations. I am proud of the effective and organized manner that we have supported vaccination efforts and we plan to continue in this fashion.”

So far, at least 42,019 people in the Western Tidewater Health District have received at least the first dose of a vaccine. That includes 22,760 people in Suffolk; 12,007 people in Isle of Wight County; 4,835 people in Southampton County; and 2,417 people in Franklin.

The WTHD began vaccinating healthcare personnel in December before moving to Phase 1B. Phase 1B includes those 65 and older, those 16-64 with underlying medical conditions and some frontline essential workers. Phase 1C includes additional essential workers, including those in the energy, construction, food services and other fields. Overlap of vaccination of groups may occur to ensure people in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. A full list of those included in each phase is available on the VDH vaccine website.

Anyone who wants a vaccine should pre-register for an appointment by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) from 8 a.m. to 8p.m., seven days a week. Representatives are available in English and Spanish, and translation is available in any of more than 100 languages. TTY dial 7-1-1.

Those who have pre-registered should check the list at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling the call center to ensure their information is accurate. Incomplete or inaccurate information could result in you not being contacted for an appointment.

If you are pre-registered, make sure you are checking your email and answering your phone, because it could be an invitation to schedule your appointment.

For more information about Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, visit:

 www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/.