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.