All residents ages 16 and up are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. As more residents get vaccinated state health officials say that restrictions brought on by the pandemic will loosen. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is confident that Louisiana will receive enough doses to go around.

The LDH website states: "Having a large portion of the population vaccinated is our best shot at a return to some form of normalcy. Based on conversations with our federal partners, we are encouraged that Louisiana will receive enough doses to vaccinate everyone who wants a shot."

In Beauregard Parish, sites and dates have been announced for vaccination events. A vaccination event will be held on Wednesday April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m at the Beauregard Parish Health Unit located at 216 Evangeline Street in DeRidder. Those who plan on attending these events should call for an appointment at 337-463-4486.

There will be two vaccine events held in Merryville. Both will be located at the Merryville Truck Stop at 1149 Highway 190 West. The events will be held on Wednesday April 7, and Friday April 9, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Appointments will be available on site for these events. 

There will be a vaccine event in Ragley on Thursday April 8 at Open Door Baptist Church located on 17148 Highway 171. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and appointments will be available onsite. 

The Beauregard Daily News will publish information about new vaccination events as that information becomes available. For more information on vaccine locations and availability, log on to www.https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine-locations/.  

This article originally appeared on Leesville Daily Leader: Vaccine opportunities in Beauregard Parish