2/24 Vaccine Talking Points
What impact did last week’s weather have on vaccine distribution?
- Vaccine distribution was delayed due to nationwide weather and as a result some providers had to call and postpone appointments until they were able to receive supply again this week.
We have heard that some second-dose appointments were cancelled due to supply. What steps were taken to remedy the issue?
Delaware is committed to vaccinating eligible Delawareans as quickly as possible. Vaccination providers have an obligation to provide second doses to those to whom they provided a first dose.
Delaware is committed to providing second doses…
- With limited supply of vaccine from the federal government, the state is faced with very difficult decisions about the most effective use of the doses it has. While the science shows that the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine provides 52% to 80% protection DPH also believes it’s important to get Delawareans their second doses to be fully vaccinated. We must continue to strike a balance between offering first and second doses, with the recognition that doing so may slow the rate of offering first doses. Currently the State is focusing on completing vaccination series.
…and ensuring partners focus on series completion.
- DPH is asking its vaccinating partners to prioritize completing the vaccination series for individuals who received a first dose from them, and then with their remaining allocation strive to balance first doses to eligible persons and second doses for individuals who received a first dose elsewhere.
Ongoing supply limitations will require patience.
Ongoing vaccine availability constraints may limit the number of first dose appointments available, or the availability of appointments for second doses to those who received a first does elsewhere.
For more information on second doses, visit: de.gov/seconddose
Who is eligible for a vaccine in Delaware?
DPH and its vaccinating partners will make vaccine available to persons who live, work or have their medical home (primary care provider or primary pharmacy) in Delaware.
Lack of ID will not be barrier to vaccination
- Photo ID and proof of residency and/or employment/medical home may be required depending on the vaccination site.
- Lack of ID will not be a barrier to individuals with undocumented immigration status. You may bring an alternate version of identification.
Insurance or payment are not required for vaccination
- Additionally, all health care providers, facilities and entities that decide to offer vaccinations shall make those vaccinations available to any person meeting the vaccination criteria without regard to that person’s ability to pay, type of health insurance, or participation in any particular provider network.
What phase do I fall into?
To learn more about what phase you will fall into, visit: de.gov/covidvaccine
What are you planning for guidance for what people who are fully vaccinated can be able to do now in terms of interacting with colleagues, loved ones, and friends?
The CDC will be releasing guidance soon. DPH will review the guidance and provide comment. It’s very important to continue prevention protocols even after getting the vaccine. Medical experts feel very confident that the COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from the virus and help get us all back to normal — but not before a large number of people get the vaccine. We need to keep all mitigation strategies in place.
2/17 Vaccine Talking Points
Why can’t I find my second dose? I got my first dose at a pharmacy and they’ve canceled my appointment/ told me they have no doses left?
Due to limited supply of the vaccine, a pharmacy may have to cancel your appointment if they do not have the vaccine in stock as they hoped when they originally scheduled it. Most pharmacies are calling customers back when they have their next vaccine delivery. It is important to understand that you do not have to get your second dose at the same place you got the first – you only need to make sure you are getting the same type of vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).
You will be able to go to a pharmacy, certain primary care providers, some urgent cares or other vaccination events offering vaccines (such as Vault or Curative) to receive your second dose as supply allows. While some venues are pre-scheduling second dose appointments for customers, due to the unpredictability of future vaccine supply, you should be aware that any events or appointments may be cancelled on short notice. This information may change as additional supply, or more details, become available.
For more information on second doses, visit: de.gov/seconddose
Where can I get a second dose if I received my first dose at a State-run site?
The State announced yesterday a partnership with FEMA to open a COVID-19 vaccination center in Dover starting this weekend for those who received their first dose at:
- Dover Division of Motor Vehicles on January 16th through January 18th
- Salesianum School in Wilmington on January 18th
- Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles on January 22nd through 24th
- Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles on January 23rd and January 24th
To register for your second dose appointment at Dover Speedway, visit: de.gov/fema after 11 a.m. this morning.
For more information on second doses, visit: de.gov/seconddose
What is the state doing to increase equity in distribution of vaccinations?
DPH, with recommendations from the Delaware Public Health and Medical Ethics Advisory Group (Ethics Group) has reviewed the CDC list of prioritized population groups and determines allocation and distribution of vaccine(s). The Ethics Group recommendations was made based on which groups are most at risk due to how the virus is transmitted (close contact, indoor facilities), the severity rate of the virus in the community, and based on the prioritized population groups.
Persons of color work in many of the industries identified for Phase 1b and 1c vaccination. DPH, DEMA, and our community partners are working closely together to ensure we are ‘meeting people where they are’ – at trusted community centers, in apartment buildings, religious institutions, and more. We are also providing various education materials and digital events to ensure individuals have the information they need to make an informed decision about the vaccine before they make an appointment. Materials are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Additionally, both Delaware’s COVID Vaccine Task Force and the Communications subcommittee, include representation from organizations representing communities of color and incorporate their feedback into weekly vaccine distribution planning.
Why can’t we turn down testing efforts and ramp up vaccination efforts?
We have the capacity for more vaccinations, but we do not have the supply from the Federal Government.
It’s important that we continue the mitigation methods we know that work as we get people vaccinated including wearing a mask, washing your hands, continuing to social distance, and getting tested.
To find the nearest testing site to you, visit: de.gov/gettested
Do you have to register for events? Will registration or getting a vaccine potentially affect your immigration status?
Most vaccination events require registration either through an online form or by calling to register. However, the Division of Public Health is also ramping up community efforts to register vulnerable individuals in senior living locations, rural areas, and more. With the help of local vaccination clinics, we will expand opportunities for local events that will have different methods for registration.
Photo ID is not required in all circumstances to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. You will need to prove that you are eligible for the current phase. You will receive a card marking the type of vaccine you received and the date it was received that will have your name and location of the vaccination event on it for your personal use, and as a reminder for your second dose. Getting a vaccination will not affect your immigration status.
For those with questions or concerns about the process of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, please e-mail vaccine@delaware.gov or contact the Division of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715 between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm Monday – Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday.
Is it true we have to wear two masks now?
It’s important to wear a mask to protect you and those around you. The only way a mask will work effectively is if it fits properly, but wearing two masks isn’t required, and it’s not the only way to get a good fit.
The CDC announced guidelines for proper mask fit. The long-and-short of it? If you have any air gaps in your mask, you could spread COVID-19. Therefore, it’s important to secure any leaks or gaps. One way to do it is by wearing a cloth mask over a medical mask. There are also other options to improve mask fit including nose wires, mask fitters and braces, and knotting and tucking ear loops. It’s not the layering of masks that makes it safer, it’s the fit.
DO NOT layer two disposable masks OR a N95 mask and another mask.
2/10 Vaccine Talking Points
Why can’t I get my second vaccine appointment? Why do I have to be the one making the appointment and it isn’t automatically scheduled?
- The State of Delaware announced plans yesterday to administer second doses to those who have received their first dose through a state-run site.
- If you got your first dose from a hospital, pharmacy, or other medical provider, while the recently announced vaccine events are not available to you, you can go back to the site where you got your first dose to ask about appointments, or visit de.gov/getmyvaccine for a list of options. Second dose appointments may be hard to come by initially due to limited vaccine supply.
How many days can I wait to get the second vaccine?
- It is currently recommended that people receive a second dose as close to the recommended timeframe as possible:
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine – no earlier than 21 days after the first dose
- Moderna – no earlier than 28 days after the first dose
- However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states if it is not feasible to get the second dose in this time frame, you can get it up to 42 days after the first. Based on current federal guidance, if the second dose of the vaccine is given after the 42-day window, the vaccine series will NOT need to be restarted.
- The state is committed to ensuring all Delawareans receive their second dose by Day 42, unless federal guidance recommends otherwise.
- For more information on second doses, visit: //De.gov/seconddose
Why is Delaware not running vaccine clinics like the testing sites?
- With limited supply of vaccine from the federal government, it is hard to plan clinics several weeks in advance.
- As more vaccine becomes available, appointments for vaccine events through Vault Health, Curative, as well as pharmacies and medical offices will be easier to get. Please be patient as this may take weeks.
Why haven’t I gotten a call after putting my name on the VAMS list?
- There are currently over 100,000 individuals who have signed up using the VAMS system.
- The state is prioritizing individuals 65+ who have high risk conditions.
- You do not have to register for VAMS multiple times. It will not help you get off the list sooner.
- You may get an invitation to register for an event from Vault Health, Curative, or the State through VAMS after having signed up for the waitlist.
- For more information for other locations where you could register for vaccines, visit: de.gov/getmyvaccine
When is the next phase going to start?
- Due to extremely limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine – and the large number of Phase 1B-eligible Delawareans who have not been vaccinated – the State of Delaware does not expect to open eligibility to all Phase 1C individuals on March 1, as the state had originally planned. The Division of Public Health (DPH) intends to begin vaccinating the most vulnerable, Phase 1C-eligible Delawareans as close to March 1 as possible – as federal supply allows.
- For more information about the phases, visit: de.gov/covidvaccine
Do I still have to wear a mask after I get a vaccine?
- It’s very important to continue protection protocols even after getting the vaccine.
- Medical experts feel very confident that the COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from the virus and help get us all back to normal — but not before a large number of people get the vaccine.
- Getting the vaccine does not give you the all-clear to stop masking up and practicing social distancing.
- It is very important to continue to protect yourself and loved ones, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 — even after you get the vaccine — by continuing wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands, and staying home if you’re sick.
Governor Carney, DPH, DEMA Announce Updates on COVID-19 Vaccination Program
State of Delaware announces plans to administer second doses
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) on Tuesday announced updates to the State of Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, with a focus on administering second doses for Delawareans who received first doses at state-operated vaccination events in January:
- Later this week, the State of Delaware will open registration for second dose appointments for 3,800 people who received their first dose at the Dover DMV on January 16, 17 or 18 or Salesianum School on January 18. These events from February 15-19 will be operated by Curative at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) campuses in Georgetown, Dover, and Wilmington. Registration will be done directly with Curative and individuals will be required to show proof of their first dose vaccination date when they arrive on site. Delawareans who have lost their vaccination card should email their full name and date of birth to vaccine@delaware.gov. For those without email access, call DPH at 1-833-643-1715. Anyone who registers but cannot show proof they received their first dose on January 16, 17 or 18 will be turned away. Only Moderna vaccines will be administered at the Curative/DTCC second dose sites.
- The State of Delaware has requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stand up a vaccination site at Dover International Speedway for multiple days beginning as early as February 20. The FEMA site would be dedicated to vaccinating people who received their first dose at the Dover DMV January 16, 17 or 18; Salesianum School on January 18; at the Delaware City DMV January 22, 23 or 24; or at the Georgetown DMV January 23 or 24. Individuals will be required to show proof of their first dose vaccination date. Delawareans who have lost their vaccination card should email their full name and date of birth to vaccine@delaware.gov. For those without email access, call DPH at 1-833-643-1715. Pfizer and Moderna will be available at these events. Scheduling has not been confirmed for these events, and is contingent on FEMA approval of the state’s request. Additional information is forthcoming.
- DPH’s Community Health Services Section will partner with community organizations to deliver second doses to low-income seniors who received their first dose at Salesianum School on January 18 and may have mobility challenges or other barriers preventing them from attending a large event. Those individuals will be reached through community organizations.
- Delawareans vaccinated at the Chase Center in Wilmington on January 30 also will be offered an opportunity to register for their second dose. Second dose registration has not yet opened for Delawareans vaccinated at the Chase Center.
As it becomes available, second dose registration or scheduling information will be listed on de.gov/getmyvaccine and will be emailed to all eligible individuals the state has e-mail addresses for. As of Monday, February 8, the State of Delaware and its partners had administered more than 126,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. More than 10 percent of Delaware’s population has received the first shot.
Delaware is in Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program. Delawareans aged 65+ and certain frontline workers are eligible for vaccination. Learn more at de.gov/covidvaccine.
“We’re continuing to press forward with our goal of vaccinating as many Delawareans as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Governor Carney. “Supply of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government remains our biggest challenge. That’s why we’re focused this week on second doses, especially for vulnerable Delaware seniors. We have the capacity to increase vaccinations as federal supply allows. Until then, continue to wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Stay vigilant.”
“Delivering second doses and first doses at the same time with limited supply of doses every week is a challenge, which is why we are targeting these Curative appointments and our partnership with FEMA to address individuals who received the first doses at our large events in January,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “As vaccine supply from the federal government increases, we expect it will become easier to receive first and second doses at pharmacies or from medical providers.”
Due to extremely limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine – and the large number of Phase 1B-eligible Delawareans who have not been vaccinated – the State of Delaware does not expect to open eligibility to all Phase 1C individuals on March 1, as the state had originally planned. The Division of Public Health (DPH) intends to begin vaccinating the most vulnerable, Phase 1C-eligible Delawareans as close to March 1 as possible – as federal supply allows.
Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine.
Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.
Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.
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Governor Carney Issues Update to Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Declaration
Occupancy limits to increase in restaurants, retail; tournaments can resume with a plan; vaccination providers must report demographic information or face fines
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the Sixth Modification to his Omnibus State of Emergency Declaration, easing COVID-19 occupancy restrictions and requiring Delaware vaccination providers to report complete demographic information within 24 hours of administering a vaccine to the Delaware Immunization Information System (DelVAX).
The Governor’s sixth modification also requires health care providers, pharmacies and other entities that provide vaccinations to offer the shots free of charge, though insurance information may be collected. Enrolled vaccination providers must follow eligibility criteria in Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, as defined by the Division of Public Health (DPH). Failure to comply with data reporting requirements in Thursday’s order may result in fines for providers, and reductions in vaccine allocation.
Click here to read Governor Carney’s sixth modification.
Click here to read the full Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Order.
“We are administering more vaccines each day, and we continue to see improvement in our COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations statewide. That’s good news, but it’s no reason to let our guard down,” said Governor Carney. “We need to make sure we’re distributing the vaccine equitably across our state. That is a priority. And we need to limit community spread of this virus. We know what works. Until we can vaccinate enough Delawareans, continue to wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s stay vigilant.”
Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, occupancy inside restaurants, retail locations, gyms, houses of worship, arts venues, and other business locations must not exceed 50 percent of stated fire capacity. Businesses must continue to follow social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions issued by local and state governments.
Governor Carney’s modification also allows youth and amateur sports tournaments to resume with a plan approved by the Division of Public Health (DPH). Delawareans who travel out of state for sports tournaments and competitions are strongly encouraged, though no longer required, to self-quarantine in accordance with DPH guidance.
Additionally, Thursday’s modification extends consumer and voting protections during the COVID-19 crisis.
Effective at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, this modification strengthens a previous prohibition on price gouging. It also allows Delawareans to cast absentee ballots in 2021 municipal elections due to COVID-19.
Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine.
Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.
Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.
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Governor Carney, DPH, DEMA Announce Expansion of COVID-19 Vaccination Program
State of Delaware focusing efforts on reaching vulnerable, underserved 65+ Delawareans
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) on Tuesday announced an expansion of Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program with a statewide focus on vaccinating Delawareans in underserved, minority communities.
Over the last two weeks, the state has piloted a series of efforts aimed at vaccinating the hardest-to-reach seniors. This included partnering with community organizations to invite seniors to an event at Salesianum School and to an event at the Wilmington campus of Delaware Technical Community College hosted by Vault. This past weekend, the state reached out to seniors, including those in low-income communities, to provide them appointments to a vaccination event at the Chase Center in Wilmington.
As of Monday, February 1, the State of Delaware and its partners had administered 103,791 COVID-19 vaccinations. Despite state and partner efforts, just 4 percent of those vaccinated are Black, according to Delaware’s vaccine tracker. Just 2 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino.
In 31 percent of vaccination records, race remains unreported. Governor Carney plans to announce steps this week to ensure that enrolled vaccination providers promptly report race and other demographic information to DPH.
Additional efforts the state announced on Tuesday include:
- The Community Health Services unit at DPH will begin partnering with the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) this week to vaccinate 65+ Delawareans in senior high-rises as part of a larger effort to reach seniors who don’t have access to technology or who may have mobility challenges.
- Enrolled pharmacies will receive an allocation of 4,000 doses this week, with a focus on pharmacies serving underserved communities.
- Hospital systems and specialty care providers – including ChristianaCare, Beebe Healthcare, ENT & Allergy of Delaware, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) – also are creating events in partnership with the State of Delaware to vaccinate 65+ Delawareans, including underserved populations.
Delaware is in Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program. Delawareans aged 65+ and certain frontline workers are eligible for vaccination. Learn more at de.gov/covidvaccine.
“Our goal remains the same: we’re working to vaccinate as many Delawareans as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Governor Carney. “We also need to make sure we’re distributing the vaccine equitably and reaching especially those Delaware seniors who are less mobile and don’t have access to a computer or smartphone. These additional efforts by the Division of Public Health and their partners will expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine among those populations, so we can reach all of our neighbors with this life-saving vaccine.”
Additional vaccination efforts this week include:
- SECOND DOSES: First responders previously vaccinated by DPH will receive second doses in a series of events. The first of those events was held on Monday in Dover operated by Curative. Another six events will be held at first responder facilities around the state between February 3 and February 18, coordinated by DPH staff.
- PARTNER EVENTS: Curative will vaccinate about 2,000 individuals at indoor events from Tuesday through Friday in Dover. All appointments have already been filled from outreach to the waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Vault Health will resume its vaccinations in Wilmington next week, and Curative appointments will be scheduled in Dover as well, with invitations made available to individuals registered on the waiting list.
- PROVIDERS: Hospitals will receive about 4,000 doses this week to administer to 65+ Delawareans, as well as their own Phase 1A health care workers. Health care systems have also been asked to coordinate with underserved communities and faith-based communities to vaccinate vulnerable seniors.
- EDUCATORS: The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) is coordinating vaccination for 1,200 educators and school staff this week.
“We are proud to have reached the mark of 100,000 doses delivered so far in our COVID-19 vaccination efforts. That’s about a tenth of our population who has reduced their risk already even before the second dose, since the first dose has 52% to 80% effectiveness,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health. “Our goal is to keep expanding the network of options for getting vaccinated, including finding ways to reach individuals and communities where large vaccination events are not a suitable option.”
Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine.
Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.
Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.
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COVID-19 Talking Points Fact Sheet
Please refer to this fact sheet for frequently asked questions in regards to the COVID-19 Vaccine. Find answers to vaccine eligibility, find out where/when you can get the vaccine, second dose information, vaccine effectiveness and considerations for people with special health conditions, short/long-term side effects, considerations for pregnancy/fertility and other miscellaneous concerns
