(KTEN) -- The Texas Department of State Health Services announced Wednesday that educators are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Oklahoma opened up vaccine appointments to teachers on February 22, so now all Texoma-area teachers are able to get a coronavirus shot.

Throughout the last few months of vaccine distribution, educators -- from teachers to licensed child care providers -- have been waiting for the green light to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

Some school districts are already a step ahead of the DSHS. Dension ISD offered COVID-19 vaccinations to all staff members who wanted one.

"Our parents are older, and I have grandkids," said Denison High School teacher Stacy Hricko.  "It's a load off our minds to be able to be more comfortable and be around them... more relaxed."

Hricko's sister, Janice Thomas, is also a teacher at Denison High School. Her concern is for the students.

"I mean, we certainly wouldn't want to be the cause of one of them getting ill," she said. "The advantages outweighed the risks. It was a no-brainer."

Other educators haven't been as lucky.

"I think there's a lot of excitement statewide for teachers, especially in districts where they haven't had the opportunities, and we were blessed with a district that was very proactive and made that happen for us," Hricko said.

The announcement expanding those eligible for vaccinations comes just one day after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rescinded the statewide face mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions.

"Part of opening up is making sure our teachers get the vaccines they need," Abbott said. "This is ensuring that parents who have children at home are able to ensure that their child is going to be in a safe learning environment while that parent is able to go to work."

And it's hoped that that, in turn, will bring peace of mind to those who serve in the classroom.

"I have a little group chat with some teachers from different places and they were signing up today," Hricko said. "They were so excited to be able to get on a list... even to just be able to get on a list."