Dover, DE (Aug 18, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing additional locations where those who meet eligibility criteria can get the monkeypox (MPX) vaccine. On Monday, DPH expanded access to the vaccine to those living with HIV and those receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Additionally, on Aug. 22, access will be expanded to include those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX such as:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) or any anonymous sexual partners 
• Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men 
• Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender) 
• Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs)  

To date, DPH has been administering the vaccine at its public health clinics by appointment only. Individuals seeking a vaccine from DPH must contact the MPX Hotline number (1-866-408-1899) to be evaluated by a DPH staff member and schedule an appointment with a DPH clinic. Walk-ins for vaccination will not be accepted.

Two medical providers who offer HIV PrEP began administering vaccine this week. One of these valued partners, Beebe Healthcare, has agreed to begin vaccinating community members who meet any of the eligibility criteria indicated above starting Friday, Aug. 26. Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling starting Monday, Aug. 22. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Additionally, the week of Aug. 22, DPH is partnering with AIDS Delaware and the HIV Consortium, as well as CAMP Rehoboth to host vaccination events. The event with AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium will be held Aug. 25, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, at the Community Services Building located at 100 W. 10^th Street in Wilmington. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted. To register for this event, eligible persons are directed to call AIDS Delaware at 302-652-6776.

DPH and CAMP Rehoboth are also hosting an event on Aug. 23 at CAMP’s Rehoboth Beach location. The pre-registration for this event is currently full. Walk-ins will not be accepted. DPH is also onboarding additional partners and will announce new locations as they are finalized.

Monkeypox vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to prioritize individuals at highest risk after a DPH evaluation: persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days, and certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days. As a result, appointments may need to be scheduled a few days out.

Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Particularly those at higher risk should continue to use preventive measures and reduce engaging in any high-risk behaviors until that time.

To learn more information about monkeypox, please visit de.gov/monkeypox. DPH began posting MPX case and vaccine data on the website this week. As of today, Delaware has 11 confirmed cases of MPX.

The DPH hotline is for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The DPH Hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center.

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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

DOVER (Nov. 29, 2018) — December 1, 2018, marks the 30th annual World AIDS Day. For three decades, this day has united people around the world in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS. World AIDS Day encourages support for those living with HIV and remembrance for those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. HIV continues to have a significant effect on Delaware’s population. There are approximately 3,520 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware – a state with less than 1 million people. While HIV is declining overall in the United States, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV, and one in seven don’t know it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone in the United States aged 13-64 get tested at least once as part of routine medical care. People at high risk for HIV should get tested at least once a year. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy.

Over the years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of HIV. Antiretroviral medications, when taken as prescribed, can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in the blood. Recent research has shown that those with undetectable levels of HIV in their blood are at very low risk of transmitting HIV sexually. Antiretrovirals can also reduce the risk of HIV-negative people becoming infected when taken as “Pre-exposure Prophylaxis” or PrEP. PrEP is taken daily to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

It is clear that HIV treatment now enables people to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. While these accomplishments should be recognized and celebrated, stigma and discrimination remain pervasive in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. The harmful effects of stigma and discrimination impact the emotional well-being and mental health of those infected, as well as hinder testing, treatment and other prevention efforts for those not aware of their status. Fear of stigma may prevent an HIV-positive individual from obtaining the essential medical care that he or she needs and those at risk from seeking testing. Fighting HIV-related stigma and discrimination is as important as ever.

On World AIDS Day, it is important to also remember those who have died from the illness — approximately 2,400 Delawareans since 1981.

It is critical that we remember and honor those who fought the courageous battle against AIDS and carry their legacy with us, not only as we make additional advances in treatment, but also as we continue to fight the stigma and discrimination related to living with HIV/AIDS.

The following events are being held to mark World AIDS Day 2018 in Delaware:

New Castle County
World AIDS Day Summit
Presented by AIDS Delaware, Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, Duffy’s HOPE and Janssen
Dec. 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical Community College, 300 N. Orange St., Wilmington
Contact: Frank Hawkins, 302-652-6776
An educational awareness event consisting of exhibitors and a panel of individuals living with HIV and those who have been affected by HIV. Free and confidential HIV testing will be available.

Outreach and Testing Events
Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (BGOC)
Nov. 30, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BGOC office, 604 N. Walnut St., Wilmington
Contact: Suzanne Tait, 302-472-3002, suzannebgoc@aol.com
A special outreach and testing event at the BGOC office. Random door prizes will be given to those who have never been tested.

Kent County
Free confidential HIV testing
Brandywine Counseling and Community Services (BCCS)
Dec. 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
John Wesley Community Center, 217 West Division St., Dover
Contact: Lynn Fahey, (302) 225-9269
BCCS will provide information, support and free confidential HIV testing. The event is open to the public. This year’s theme is “Know your status.”

Sussex County
The Rehoboth Beach Candlelight Walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope
Camp Rehoboth
Dec. 1, 2018, 6:15 p.m.
The walk starts at the Rehoboth Bandstand and the Service of Remembrance and Hope is at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on 18 Olive Ave.
Contact: Salvatore Seeley, 302-227-5620, salvatoreseeley@aol.com
A candlelight vigil and walk, followed by a Service of Remembrance and Hope, including a reading of the names of those lost to AIDS. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Service of Remembrance and Hope begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a light supper.

For more information about World AIDS Day, visit https://www.worldaidsday.org/. For more information about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Delaware, visit https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/hivaidsprogram.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

The 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER — Knowing your status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gives you powerful information that will help keep you and your partner healthy. Free HIV testing will be offered through the Division of Public Health (DPH) at two Delaware state service centers on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, in observance of National HIV Testing Day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

“Knowing your HIV status is so important, because there are treatment options available,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Additionally, in the event that you are HIV positive, you can take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to a sexual partner or spreading the virus to others by exposing them to your blood.”

The free HIV tests through DPH will be available on Wednesday, June 27, at:

Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford, from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Porter State Service Center, 511 W. 8th St., Wilmington, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The results of HIV testing are usually available within 30 minutes. Tests are confidential and walk-ins are welcome.

In the United States, HIV is mainly spread by having unprotected sex or sharing syringes and other injection equipment with someone who is infected with HIV. Substance use can contribute to these risks because alcohol and other drugs can lower people’s inhibitions and make them less likely to use condoms.

HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV, but with proper medical care it can be controlled. Some groups of people are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sexual partners, their risk behaviors, and where they live. The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested.

“HIV and AIDS remain problems for Delaware,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a family physician. “While there has been tremendous amount of improvement in preventing and treating HIV, there is still plenty you can do to stay proactive. Knowing your HIV status is one of the most important things you can do.”

Drs. Rattay and Walker said there are about 3,500 Delawareans living with HIV and an estimated additional 350 people who are infected and don’t know they have the virus.

For more information about testing, contact the Porter State Service Center at 302-777-2860 or the Shipley State Service Center at 302-628-6772.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, marks the 29th World AIDS Day, providing an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and raise awareness of the continuing epidemic around the globe. This year’s theme is “Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships”. Several events are scheduled statewide in observance of World AIDS Day.

Approximately 3,500 Delawareans are living with HIV/AIDS. The CDC estimates that another 350 to 400 Delawareans are HIV-positive but are not aware. These individuals pose a great risk of transmitting HIV since they may not take precautions before engaging in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex or needle sharing. This may also hold true for those who are aware of their infection, but are not receiving medical care. The Division of Public Health (DPH) encourages Delawareans to learn the facts about HIV, talk about the disease and take action.

“Together we have the power to curb and eventually stop new HIV infections,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It starts with getting tested to know your HIV status, and eliminating behavior that places you, and others, at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV. If you are positive for HIV, we urge you to seek treatment and remain in care.”

Sadly, stigma, discrimination, and misinformation surrounding HIV remain a significant barrier to testing, treatment and prevention. HIV is not spread by hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing utensils, or closed-mouth (“social”) kissing with someone who is HIV positive. You cannot get HIV from consuming food handled by an HIV-infected person. HIV is not spread by mosquitoes, ticks or other insects.

Today’s HIV medications allow people to live longer, healthier lives. For those living with HIV, antiretroviral medications taken as prescribed will suppress HIV to undetectable levels in blood. At this level, HIV infected individuals may not transmit the disease to others. In Delaware, 81 percent of those in care are virally suppressed. Still, it remains important to use protective methods such as condoms to prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases.

“It is critical that all sexually active Delawareans know their HIV status and that those who are infected are treated to viral suppression,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “If you do not know your status, get tested. The number of Delawareans dying from HIV has dropped significantly over the past 10 years, and significant advances in medical treatment has helped those infected lead normal lives. Lack of medical insurance is not a barrier to HIV treatment in our state.”

With HIV testing as a foundation, HIV-negative persons can link to prevention services to prevent HIV acquisition and transmission. One of the options now available is pre-exposure prophylaxis, (PrEP) which is available for those who are HIV negative, but unable to stop certain types of high-risk behavior. The PrEP pill, taken daily can prevent HIV infection. For a list of physicians prescribing PrEP, please visit https://www.delawarehiv.org/delaware-prep/.

There are several sites in our state that offer free rapid HIV testing. For a list, visit https://gettested.cdc.gov/. For more information, please call the Delaware Division of Public Health at (302) 744-1050.

The following events are being held to mark World AIDS Day 2017 in Delaware:

KENT COUNTY
Brandywine Counseling & Community Services
World AIDS Day Event (Anything but Clothes Fashion Show)
Nov. 30, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, Parlors B & C
Delaware State University
1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover
Contact: Rebekah Nuttall, 302-504-5999, rnuttall@branywinecounseling.org
Anything But Clothes Fashion Show in recognition of World AIDS Day. Design an outfit made out of prevention messaging and risk-reduction materials such as condoms, dental dams, lube packets, female condoms, etc. Door and grand prizes of $300, $200, and $100. Free HIV testing and screenings via the COPE RV. Live DJ and free food.

SUSSEX COUNTY
Camp Rehoboth
Candlelight Walk
Dec. 1, 2017, 6:15 p.m.
The Candlelight Walk starts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand in downtown Rehoboth. The Service is at All Saints Church in Rehoboth at 18 Olive Ave.
Contact: Salvatore Seeley, 302-227-5620, salvatoreseeley@aol.com
Candlelight vigil and walk. Reading of the names of those we have lost to AIDS followed by a community supper. Free HIV testing will be provided from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Camp Rehoboth Community Center. The Candlelight Walk kicks off at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 6:15 p.m. The Service of Remembrance begins at 7:00 p.m.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
AIDS Delaware/Brandywine Counseling and Community Services
World AIDS Day Youth and Family Forum
Dec. 2, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical Community College, 300 N. Orange St., Wilmington,
Contact: Frank Hawkins, 302-652-6776
Community event to raise awareness about HIV. Exhibitors and panel discussions with people living with HIV. Free testing available on-site.

Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (BGOC)
World AIDS Day Testing Event
Dec. 1, 2017, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm
604 N. Walnut St. Wilmington
Contact: Suzanne Tait, 302-472-3002
BGOC will be offering free rapid HIV testing. Free food to all who complete the test process. Random door prizes will be awarded throughout the day!

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER — Dec. 1, 2016, marks the 29th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The theme this year is, “Leadership. Commitment. Impact.” World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those lost to the disease.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges. In the United States, about 1.2 million people are currently infected with over 40,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Even though the annual number of new HIV diagnoses declined 19 percent over the last decade, more work needs to be done. More effective treatments also means there are more infected people who live longer, and therefore the challenge of preventing further spread of the disease is even greater.

Currently, there are 3,354 people living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates another 350 may be infected but don’t know it. Getting tested is easy, free and confidential. Visit www.hivtest.org to find a testing center near you. The HIV test is simple and you will receive your result within minutes.

“The fight against HIV/AIDS begins with individual testing,” said Division of Public Health (DPH) Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Roughly one-third of new infections result from those unaware they are HIV positive. Not only are they at high risk for unknowingly infecting others, but their own health is impacted as they may not receive treatment. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. If you test positive, treatment is available. If you test negative, you can protect yourself from future infection.”

The CDC recommends routine HIV testing (at least once) for all people ages 13 to 64. Those deemed at higher risk may be tested more frequently (at least once a year). Testing is also recommended for women considering pregnancy and during pregnancy. Treatment can prevent an HIV-positive mother from passing the disease to the unborn baby.

“World AIDS Day reminds us today and every day of the importance of knowing your HIV status,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf. “I encourage Delawareans to take this time to learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS and how you can help or support those living with the disease.”

If you have HIV, but are not receiving treatment because you have no insurance or for any other reason, call the Division of Public Health at 302-744-1050 for assistance.

The following events are being held to mark World AIDS Day 2016 in Delaware:

KENT COUNTY
Brandywine Counseling & Community Services
World AIDS Day Event
Dec. 1, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, Parlor A,
Delaware State University
1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover
Contact: Rebekah Nuttall, 302-504-5999, rnuttall@branywinecounseling.org
Anything But Clothes Fashion Show in recognition of World AIDS Day. Design an outfit made out of prevention messaging and risk-reduction materials such as condoms, dental dams, lube packets, female condoms, etc. Door and grand prizes of $300, $200, and $100. Free HIV testing and screenings via the COPE RV. Live DJ and free food.

SUSSEX COUNTY
Camp Rehoboth
Candlelight Walk
Dec. 1, 2016
6:15 p.m.
The Candlelight walk starts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand in downtown Rehoboth. The Service is at All Saints Church in Rehoboth at 18 Olive Ave.
Contact: Salvatore Seeley, 302-227-5620; salvatoreseeley@aol.com
Candlelight vigil and walk. Reading of the names of those we have lost to AIDS followed by a community supper. Free HIV testing will be provided from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Camp Rehoboth Community Center. The Candlelight Walk kicks off at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 6:15 p.m. The Service of Remembrance begins at 7:00 p.m.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
AIDS Delaware
World AIDS Day Summit
Dec. 3, 2016
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical Community College, 300 N. Orange St., Wilmington,
Contact: Frank Hawkins, 302-652-6776
Community event to raise awareness about HIV. Exhibitors and panel discussions with people living with HIV. Free testing available on-site.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.