DOVER, DE (June 17, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on May 21, 2022. While COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are experiencing a decreasing trend, DPH encourages Delawareans to rely on trusted prevention actions to stay one step ahead of COVID-19 during this event-filled weekend that includes Father Day, Juneteenth, and ongoing Pride celebrations. Delawareans can stay safe by:

• Staying home when sick, and getting tested for COVID-19
• Wearing a mask, including in public indoor areas
• Remaining up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations including boosters
• Turning to trusted sources for information on COVID-19 including treatment options

Vaccine for Infants and Children

On June 15, the FDA’s medical advisory committee VRBPAC, authorized Moderna’s vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years old and Pfizer’s vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years old.  The FDA Director Peter Marks signed off on the committee’s authorization on Friday, June 17. The CDC’s advisory committee met earlier today on June 17^th to discuss the vaccines. The committee is expected to vote on their use on Saturday, June 18^th.  A formal sign-off is still required from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director before vaccine administration can begin.  

The first shipments of vaccine for children under 5 years old will arrive in Delaware on June 20^th, and the earliest that vaccine administrations, pending the CDC’s vote, are expected to begin is June 21^st (though this may vary by site). Not all providers ordered vaccine for this first wave. The Division of Public Health has placed information about these pediatric vaccines on de.gov/youthvaccine.  New locations will be added regularly. 

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of two doses, one month apart, to individuals 6 months through 5 years of age. Effectiveness varies by age. The most commonly reported side effects across all age subgroups included pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever and underarm swelling/tenderness at the injection site.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of three doses in which the initial two doses are administered three weeks apart followed by a third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. The most common side effects included irritability, decreased appetite, fever, headache, chills and pain, tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 281,986
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 259.9 a decrease of 314.8 average new positive cases reported since May 21, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 14.1 percentage points, a difference of 4.9 percentage points reported since May 21, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 109, current hospitalizations; critically ill: 12
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,977, an increase of 38 since last month, including 25 deaths from a review of vital statistics

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,109,960
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 74.1% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 78.3%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.8% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 69.9%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of June 06 – June 12, 2022. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Friday, June 17, 2022, there have been a total of 4,060 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 964 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

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.  

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

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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