This week, the Virginia Dept. of Health launched a new, centralized website (www.vaccinate.virginia.gov) to allow all Virginians to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine. About 240,000 Virginians have already registered.
The VDH has now also added a dedicated call center for those who don't have Internet access or who would prefer to talk to a person. That phone number for information and pre-registration is 1-877-VAX-IN-VA or 1-877-829-4682. Calls are available in English or Spanish and up to 100 other languages.
If you've previously registered with your local health department, as 1.6 million Virginians already have, your information has been moved over to the new system. You can double-check your registration at www.vaccinate.virginia.gov.
Gov. Ralph Northam says Virginia is currently receiving about 130,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine every week, but more is needed. So far 1.4 million vaccine doses have been given out in the state.
Northam says local pharmacies have also been receiving doses directly from the federal government, a supply that is separate from the doses the state government is receiving.
Along with needing more vaccine doses, Northam says Virginia needs more health care workers to give out the vaccines. The Governor has signed emergency legislation which authorizes more health workers, such as dentists and medical students, to give the injections.
Dr. Danny Avula, the head of Virginia's COVID-19 vaccination program, says fixed site mass vaccination centers have been planned across the state, but they're still waiting for an increase in the vaccine supply.
The Governor says he is looking into expanding spectator limits at outdoor sporting events to 250 and allowing overnight summer camps this year. More information on the new capacity limits is expected next week.
Northam also encouraged Virginians to be aware and be prepared for the expected winter storm arriving tomorrow.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.