As Delawareans reach nearly 70 percent vaccinated, new prizes unlocked

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) on Thursday announced three new prizes for the DE Wins! raffle, including two scholarships from Wilmington University and tickets to every show at The Grand during the 2021-2022 season.

Wilmington University will award a full undergraduate scholarship and a full graduate scholarship supporting Delaware’s Vaccination Incentive Program. Both scholarships will include tuition and fees. The Grand’s All Access Pass winner will receive two (2) seats to every Grand Presents and Broadway in Wilmington performance held from September 2021-July 2022 at The Grand, the baby grand, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square.  

“We are getting closer to our goal of having 70 percent of Delaware adults vaccinated with at least one dose by July 4,” said Governor Carney. “To make that final push, we are adding new prizes to the DE Wins raffle. All of these prizes celebrate places that people love in our state, and experiences you can get back to safely once you’re vaccinated. Find a vaccine clinic or provider near you by visiting de.gov/getmyvaccine.”

As of Wednesday, June 9, 67.6 percent of Delaware adults had received at least one shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“We value the efforts of Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in Delaware,” said Dr. LaVerne Harmon, Wilmington University President. “We hope the pandemic will soon be part of the past, and our gift of higher education part of a promising future for two deserving students.”

Recipients of Delaware’s Vaccination Incentive Program scholarship at Wilmington University who are between the ages of 12 through senior year in high school must use the scholarship no later than one year after graduating from high school. High school graduates ages 18 and over must utilize the scholarship within two years of receiving the award. Tuition must not exceed the total number of credits required for graduation in one degree program. Recipients must meet all of the University’s entrance requirements at the time of admission.

“It is in The Grand’s best interest, and the best interest of all indoor performances venues, to have as many Delawareans fully vaccinated as possible,” said Mark Fields, Executive Director of The Grand. “The more vaccinations, the safer we all are when we come together again for indoor performances in the near future. Providing this All Access Pass is our way of thanking those that have taken this important step towards reopening entertainment venues like The Grand’s three theaters for everybody.”

Previous artists to take The Grand’s stage include Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, the Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS, and others. The Grand hosts an average of 60-80 performances a year. The winner cannot resell tickets. Seats will be provided as best available at time of booking. This offer does not apply to non-Grand Presents events such as rentals or community events.

“We appreciate all of the partners who have contributed prizes to the DE Wins! Vaccine Incentive Program,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. “All three vaccines have been proven safe and effective, and the CDC just released new studies showing Pfizer and Moderna are up to 90% effective in reducing the risk of infection for fully vaccinated people.  While protecting yourself and those closest to you is the biggest benefit for getting vaccinated, we recognize that incentive programs may help to motivate others who may have been putting it off. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated so we can all get back to doing the things we enjoy most.”

“The DE Wins! Vaccine Incentive prizes offer a great opportunity for residents to discover all the cool things to do in Delaware,” said Liz Keller, Delaware Tourism Office Director. “From one-of-a-kind experiences to dream staycations, these prizes not only provide another reason to receive the vaccine but also support local small businesses and non-profit organizations.”

Delawareans can see the full list of prizes at DEwins.org.

Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Small Business on Monday announced that more than 200 Delaware small businesses will receive state grants up to $5,000 to reimburse them for the cost of providing incentives for vaccinated customers. Delawareans can view the list of participating businesses at DEwins.org/partners.

Delawareans vaccinated in Delaware will also receive a $10 gift card when vaccinated. A full list of vaccination locations can be found at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

The DE Wins! Vaccine Incentive Program runs through June 29. Winners for the grand prizes of $302,000 and two low-digit license plates will be drawn on June 30. 

More information can be found at DEwins.org.

Governor Carney also announced that he will formally extend the State of Emergency declaration on June 13 another 30 days to confront COVID-19, provide protection for those who are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, and to continue the whole-of-government approach to administering vaccines to Delawareans. The signed order will be available here on June 13 at noon.

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State of Delaware announces plans to administer second doses

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) on Tuesday announced updates to the State of Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, with a focus on administering second doses for Delawareans who received first doses at state-operated vaccination events in January: 

• Later this week, the State of Delaware will open registration for second dose appointments for 3,800 people who received their first dose at the Dover DMV on January 16, 17 or 18 or Salesianum School on January 18. These events from February 15-19 will be operated by Curative at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) campuses in Georgetown, Dover, and Wilmington. Registration will be done directly with Curative and individuals will be required to show proof of their first dose vaccination date when they arrive on site. Delawareans who have lost their vaccination card should email their full name and date of birth to vaccine@delaware.gov. For those without email access, call DPH at 1-833-643-1715. Anyone who registers but cannot show proof they received their first dose on January 16, 17 or 18 will be turned away. Only Moderna vaccines will be administered at the Curative/DTCC second dose sites.
• The State of Delaware has requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stand up a vaccination site at Dover International Speedway for multiple days beginning as early as February 20. The FEMA site would be dedicated to vaccinating people who received their first dose at the Dover DMV January 16, 17 or 18; Salesianum School on January 18; at the Delaware City DMV January 22, 23 or 24; or at the Georgetown DMV January 23 or 24. Individuals will be required to show proof of their first dose vaccination date. Delawareans who have lost their vaccination card should email their full name and date of birth to vaccine@delaware.gov. For those without email access, call DPH at 1-833-643-1715. Pfizer and Moderna will be available at these events. Scheduling has not been confirmed for these events, and is contingent on FEMA approval of the state’s request. Additional information is forthcoming. 
• DPH’s Community Health Services Section will partner with community organizations to deliver second doses to low-income seniors who received their first dose at Salesianum School on January 18 and may have mobility challenges or other barriers preventing them from attending a large event. Those individuals will be reached through community organizations.
• Delawareans vaccinated at the Chase Center in Wilmington on January 30 also will be offered an opportunity to register for their second dose. Second dose registration has not yet opened for Delawareans vaccinated at the Chase Center. 

As it becomes available, second dose registration or scheduling information will be listed on de.gov/getmyvaccine and will be emailed to all eligible individuals the state has e-mail addresses for. As of Monday, February 8, the State of Delaware and its partners had administered more than 126,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. More than 10 percent of Delaware’s population has received the first shot.

Delaware is in Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program. Delawareans aged 65+ and certain frontline workers are eligible for vaccination. Learn more at de.gov/covidvaccine.   

“We’re continuing to press forward with our goal of vaccinating as many Delawareans as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Governor Carney. “Supply of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government remains our biggest challenge. That’s why we’re focused this week on second doses, especially for vulnerable Delaware seniors. We have the capacity to increase vaccinations as federal supply allows. Until then, continue to wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Stay vigilant.”

“Delivering second doses and first doses at the same time with limited supply of doses every week is a challenge, which is why we are targeting these Curative appointments and our partnership with FEMA to address individuals who received the first doses at our large events in January,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “As vaccine supply from the federal government increases, we expect it will become easier to receive first and second doses at pharmacies or from medical providers.”

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. 

Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine.   

Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.   

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.   

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DOVER – The 2019-2020 flu season has officially arrived, and to kick off the state’s influenza prevention efforts, the Division of Public Health (DPH) will hold two free flu vaccination clinics for the public.

On Friday, Oct. 4. 2019, DPH will hold a free flu clinic at the Porter State Service Center, 511 W. 8th St., Wilmington, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first 200 people to get their flu vaccines will receive a free gift card.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, DPH will hold a free drive-thru flu clinic at the DelDOT Administration Building, 800 S. Bay Road, Dover, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or until vaccines run out. Eagle 97.7 and Cool 101.3 will hold live broadcasts. Both clinics will be held rain or shine. The flu clinics are open to individuals nine years of age and older.

“Now is the time to get your annual flu shot,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “Vaccinations not only prevent people from getting the flu, but they also can reduce the severity of flu illness and prevent visits to the doctor, clinic, emergency room and hospitalizations. Vaccinated people have less chance of missing family, school and work events due to influenza illness.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for Delawareans 6 months of age and older. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also provide protection during the entire flu season. During the 2018-2019 flu season, Delaware recorded 6,387 laboratory-confirmed flu cases. More than 1,000 Delawareans were hospitalized due to the flu and 24 people died from flu complications.

“The flu is unpredictable,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Getting your annual flu vaccine is the best, most effective thing you can do to keep from getting the flu, and from spreading it to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. The flu is highly contagious and can even be deadly so we urge you to get your flu shot early in the flu season.”

The flu is easy to transmit and you can get it even from seemingly healthy, but unvaccinated, children and adults. Children, older adults, and those who have chronic underlying medical conditions are most at-risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now.

DPH also will offer other flu clinics throughout the season. A schedule can be found at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html. In addition, flu vaccines are offered through physician offices, many pharmacies and some grocery stores. To locate where flu vaccines near you are being offered, Google “CDC flu finder” and enter a ZIP code.

In addition to getting an annual flu shot, Delawareans can prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illness with good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Keep your distance from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with temperature less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours.

People with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with well people in the household and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672.

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 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. 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  — The number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases continues to increase in Delaware, and the Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing three recent flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths for the 2018-2019 season thus far to eight. The most recent victim is an 83-year-old man from New Castle County, with underlying health conditions, who passed away this week. Additionally, last week, a 41-year-old New Castle County woman with suspected underlying health complications and a 74-year-old Sussex County woman with multiple underlying health conditions passed away due to complications from the flu. Of the eight individuals who have passed away this season, they range in age from 41 to 83. Four persons were from Sussex County, one was from Kent County and three were from New Castle County. All were infected with Influenza A.

The Division of Public Health continues to encourage residents to get their flu vaccine if they have not done so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza is widespread in most of the country and expects significant flu activity to continue for weeks. It is not too late to get a flu vaccine.

As of Jan. 19, 2019, the most recent date for which statistics are available, there have been 1,268 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in Delaware. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely much higher. Additionally, 224 people have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms since the start of the flu season. These numbers are similar to the 2017-2018 season when at the same time, there were 1,289 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza and 297 hospitalizations.

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the most recent Delawareans who have lost their lives as a result of the influenza virus this season,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It is important that we all take precautions to prevent catching and spreading the flu. The first and best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting your annual flu vaccine and making sure everyone in your family has received it, as well. The flu vaccine protects against up to four strains of the virus and can help lessen the severity of symptoms if you do become sick.”

Flu vaccines are still available at State Service Centers, primary care providers and specialists, pharmacies, and some grocery stores. To find participating stores, enter your zip code in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) flu vaccine finder at www.cdc.gov/flu/. For more information about the flu, visit flu.delaware.gov/ or call DPH at 1-800-282-8672. The CDC recommends use of any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccine, including inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV], or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Flu shots are available at DPH clinics located within the State Service Centers:
• Porter State Service Center, 509 W. Eighth St., Wilmington. For all ages 9 and up. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Call 302-283-7587 (choose Option 2) to make an appointment Monday through Friday.
• Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Call 302-857-5140 to make an appointment Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Milford State Service Center – Riverwalk, 253 N.E. Front St., Milford. For ages 9 years and older. Call 302-424-7130 to make an appointment on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information, call 302-628-6772.
• Adams State Service Center, 544 S. Bedford St., Georgetown. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Walk-ins welcome on Thursdays only from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to take full effect, so anyone who has not yet received the vaccine should make an effort to get one as soon as possible. In addition to getting a flu vaccine and taking antiviral medication, DPH recommends the following:
• Practice social distancing if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately; if no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your inner elbow.
• Stay home if you are sick until you are free of fever for 24 hours – with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.

Social distancing means that those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. They should avoid close contact with well people in the household, and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as he or she may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

Unlike colds, which develop gradually, flu symptoms come on suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections. People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and asthma are more susceptible to catching the flu.

For more information about flu surveillance in Delaware, read the weekly flu report at dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/influenzawkly.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.

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, Del. – The Office of the State Veterinarian announced today Delaware’s third case of West Nile Virus (WNV) found in horses in 2018.

The infected equine is a 10-year-old pony gelding that was purchased from a Pennsylvania livestock auction and transported to a premises in New Castle County, DE on August 27. On August 30, the pony was observed to have a fever, was leaning and walking sideways. He progressed to show signs of wobbling and staggering, decreased tail tone, and facial nerve deficits. Samples were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, which confirmed the diagnosis of WNV on September 7. The vaccination history for this pony is unknown. His condition is reported to be improving.

This is the third case of WNV reported in Delaware horses in 2018. The first and second cases were diagnosed in August, and occurred in a 3-year-old Standardbred mare residing in Kent County with unknown vaccination status and a 2-year-old Thoroughbred mare also residing in Kent County that was not up-to-date on its WNV vaccine. The Thoroughbred horse was euthanized due to the severity of its illness.

West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are diseases transmitted to horses via the bites of mosquitoes. Humans can also be infected with WNV and EEE, but transmission requires a mosquito bite and the virus cannot be directly transmitted between horses, or between horses and people. Signs of infection in horses include fever (although not always with WNV), anorexia, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle spasms in the head and neck, or hind-limb weakness. If owners notice any of these signs in their horses, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Two cases of WNV were confirmed in Delaware horses in 2017.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Mosquito Control Section has seen an increase of WNV found in wild birds and sentinel chickens this year throughout the state. Three detections of EEE, two in Sussex and one in New Castle County, have been made in sentinel chickens in the last month. So far in Delaware in 2018, five cases of WNV have been found in humans.

The State Veterinarian urges horse owners to contact their veterinarians as soon as possible, as we are in the midst of peak mosquito season, to have horses and other equines vaccinated against WNV and EEE. Neither disease has a specific drug treatment, and EEE infections in horses are fatal in 70 to 90 percent of cases, and WNV in 30 percent of cases.

Horse owners can take several additional steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites. Horses should be kept inside during dawn and dusk, which are peak hours for mosquito activity. Topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses may be applied. The wind generated by fans installed in horse stalls can also help deter mosquitoes. Old tires and containers should be disposed of and standing water eliminated. Water troughs or buckets should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled every 2-3 days if possible to remove any mosquito eggs or larvae.

For more information about WNV or EEE:

• Human health questions should be directed to the Delaware Division of Public Health, (888) 295-5156, or (302) 744-4990.

• Animal health questions should be directed to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at (800) 282-8685 (Delaware only) or (302) 698-4500. Ask for the Poultry and Animal Health Section.

• Questions about the state’s mosquito control program or mosquito biology should be directed to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Mosquito Control Section at (302) 739-9917.

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Media Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4500, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov