DPH says Boosted is Better

DPH is encouraging everyone who is eligible for a booster, but has not yet gotten one to do so. According to the My Healthy Community Vaccine Tracker, while 68.2% of those 65+ have received a booster/additional dose, only one-third (35.7%) of Delaware’s eligible population as a whole has.

 

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study showing that receiving 2 or 3 doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk in needing to be placed on a ventilator or dying.  During Omicron, the risk for those who received a booster dose was reduced to 94%. This data supports a growing body of evidence showing:

• Those who are boosted are much less likely to test positive than even the those who had received just two doses (JAMA, 2022).
• People who were unvaccinated against COVID-19 as the Omicron variant emerged in December had five times higher risk of COVID-19 infections than adults who had received a booster (CDC, 2022).
• Unvaccinated persons are 12 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are boosted (CDC Data: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#covidnet-hospitalizations-vaccination
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DPH says now, while cases are low, is the best time to get your booster so that you are prepared in the event of a surprise COVID-19 surge. Additionally, with the upcoming Spring Break and reports of recent COVID-19 surges in Western Europe, South Korea and China, DPH reminds Delawareans that receiving a booster will decrease the chances of citizens bringing the deadly virus back from vacation spots. Spring Break often includes congregating in large groups and increases the chance for a person to contract COVID-19 and then return home to a loved one who may suffer from underlying conditions. Underlying conditions makes people more susceptible to COVID-19.

For more information concerning booster-doses, visit our website at de.gov/boosters. 

 

Those who are eligible for a booster are recommended to seek one at existing vaccine sites including pharmacies, health care providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients), and the following standing DPH Vaccine sites:

• Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
• Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
• University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702

 

DPH will discontinue services at the DPH Standing Vaccine Sites after March 31. Individuals can still get vaccinated at DPH clinics, updates on new locations for Curative testing will be provided as details become available.  

 

Changes in Federal Program May Impact Testing for Uninsured

Changes at the federal level set to take effect Monday, March 21, may result in some COVID-19 testing providers deciding to no longer offer free testing to uninsured individuals.  Those without insurance can still access free testing at Division of Public Health clinics. Those who have insurance are encouraged to seek testing at locations outside of DPH.  For a list of testing locations statewide visit de.gov/gettested. You are encouraged to contact the testing site to verify insurance requirements.

  All individuals 6 months and older may still get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

    

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

  

Resources:  

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:  

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

  

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

  

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.  

  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.