50+ can get vaccinated at pharmacies, 16+ with moderate to high-risk health conditions eligible at hospitals in Delaware

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Delaware updates COVID-19 vaccination program
More people will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Delawareafter Governor Carney and health officials announced updates to the state’s vaccination program.

DOVER, Delaware (WPVI) -- More people will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware this week after Governor John Carney and health officials announced updates Tuesday to the state's vaccination program.

Starting on Wednesday, March 17, pharmacies in Delaware may begin vaccinating residents age 50 and older.

In addition, people 16 and older with high/moderate risk medical conditions, and family caregivers of those with high/moderate risk medical conditions will be able to get vaccinated at medical providers or hospitals, beginning on Wednesday.

List of High Risk Conditions:

Cancer

Chronic Kidney Disease

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Diabetes Mellitus

Down Syndrome

Serious Heart Conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

Immunocompromised state (weak immune system) from solid organ transplant

Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m or higher)

Sickle Cell Disease

Current or Former Cigarette Smoker

Intellectual or Developmental Disability

Severe and Persistent Mental/Behavioral Health Condition

Pregnancy

List of Moderate Risk Conditions:

Asthma (moderate-to-severe)

Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)

Cystic fibrosis

Hypertension or high blood pressure

Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines

Neurologic conditions, such as dementia

Liver disease

Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)

Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)

On Tuesday, March 23, the waiting list for State of Delaware Vaccination Events (Dover International Speedway, DMV or Curative Events) which is available at https://vaccinerequest.delaware.gov opens for people 50 and older.

SEE ALSO: Black clergy in Delaware push to get community vaccinated against COVID-19

A faith leader in Delaware is hoping to lead by example when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine.

By May 1, Governor Carney says the waiting list will open for everyone 16 and older, which is in line with President Biden's pledge to make all adults eligible for vaccines by that date.

What to know about Joe Biden's primetime speech, the newly signed COVID bill and $1,400 stimulus checks.

As of Monday, March 15, Delaware vaccination providers had administered 319,587 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Twenty percent of Delaware's population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Currently, those able to be vaccinated are long-term care residents and staff, residents 65 and older, and teachers, school staff, and child care workers.

According to the DPH timeline, between now and March 23, health officials are sprinting to complete the Delaware 65+ waiting list. Those residents can get vaccinated at the State of Delaware Vaccination Events.

Health officials are also working to vaccinate teachers, school staff, and child care workers at Walgreens, Dover International Speedway, and district-based vaccination events though March 31.

SEE ALSO: Delaware natives race to Dover International Speedway for second COVID-19 vaccine

It's no NASCAR race. Thousands of cars are circling the Dover International Speedway to receive their second COVID-19 vaccinations.