COVID-19 vaccinations in Delaware: What you need to know
President-elect Joe Biden receives the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination from Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming at ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital on January 11, 2021 in Newark, Delaware. Biden received the second dose of the
DOVER, Del. - Officials and healthcare workers in Delaware are working towards distributing the vaccine to nearly 1M residents around the state.
Similar to its neighboring state, Delaware is using a phased rollout approach to ensure those at the highest risk of severe infection or death are protected. The state is currently on the second tier of its first phase, which opens vaccinations up to frontline healthcare workers and people over 65.
Delaware still has several steps to procuring enough doses to open eligibility to all residents. Meanwhile, the state is urging residents to practice mitigation and social distancing strategies as the rollout continues.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GET VACCINATED IN DELAWARE?
Delaware is currently in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, which prioritizes people 65 and older, first responders, and many frontline workers. People included in the first wave of the state's vaccination plan, such as healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents, can still get vaccinated.
Via: coronavirus.delaware.gov
The third section of phase 1, or Phase 1C, will eventually include people 16-64 with chronic health conditions, people at high-risk congregate settings and all other essential workers. Delaware health officials believe the state can move to Phase 2 by mid-April.
Phase 2 will include people 50-64, people 16-49 with moderate-risk medical conditions, others in group settings who did not receive the vaccine in the earlier phases, and essential workers not able to work from home at all times.
Via: coronavirus.delaware.gov
In an effort to vaccinate more people, Delaware is now allowing pharmacies to vaccinate Delawareans aged 50+ beginning Wednesday, March 17. Also on Wednesday, health care providers, including hospitals, may vaccinate patients 16+ with high and moderate-risk medical conditions.
Also, the state announced Tuesday, March 30 that by April 6 it would allow all those 16+ to be vaccinated. Tuesday’s announcement Is much sooner than President Biden’s May 1st deadline to make all adults eligibile.
The Delaware Health Department's website estimates the state will move into Phase 4 around June.
For more on what phase you and your family may fall under, visit the state's website.
You can learn more about Delaware's phased vaccination approach by clicking here.
WHERE CAN I GET THE VACCINE IN DELAWARE?
There are three main ways for eligible people to get a coronavirus vaccine in Delaware. Medical providers, vaccination events and pharmacies all can offer shots if supplies are available.
Delaware has set up multiple drive-thru vaccination clinics around the state that are available by appointment only. Healthcare providers like medical practices, urgent care sites, and Federally Qualified Health Centers are also administering the vaccine.
The state's website lists a number of pharmacies and grocery stores around the state that have received an allotment of doses. Appointments required at these locations and can be made by visiting the store's website.
A web-based locator, called Vaccine Finder, will list locations as soon as they are available.
WHAT WILL IT COST TO GET THE VACCINE?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be given to all American citizens at no cost, according to health officials. However, vaccination providers may be able to charge an office visit fee and will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the vaccine. Vaccine providers can be reimbursed for this fee.
____
RELATED COVERAGE:
COVID-19 timeline: How the pandemic unfolded over 1 year
Coronavirus Restrictions: What you need to know in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
___
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP
Sign up for emails from FOX 29, including our daily Good Day Digest newsletter