DOVER – The Delaware Board of Pharmacy has approved a standing order authorizing pharmacists to continue administering COVID-19 vaccines, that was issued by the Division of Public Health (DPH). This action ensures Delaware residents can access vaccines at the same rate as before the order, with no interruptions to availability.

The standing order allows individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccines directly from pharmacists without a separate prescription. DPH encourages Delawareans to consult with their health care provider to determine what is best for their personal health needs.

“Making vaccines easy to get is one of the best ways we can keep our families and communities safe,” Governor Matt Meyer said. “This standing order means Delawareans have the freedom to choose to go to a local pharmacy and get a COVID-19 vaccine without worry or delay. Thank you to the Board of Pharmacy for acting swiftly to deliver peace of mind and stronger protection for everyone heading into the fall.”

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination, developed through a joint effort of the Northeastern public health collaborative, are available at de.gov/covidvaccine.

The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) and DPH are currently reviewing vaccine-related regulations for schools and expect to begin a public comment process in the coming months.

“The Department of Education follows the guidance of our state’s public health experts, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said. “Vaccines protect the students who receive them and stop the spread of disease in the general population. The announcement last week by Governor Meyer ensures Delawareans will continue to have ready access to vaccines and reliable medical information that is fact-based and centered on scientific research – at a time when federal health advice has become unreliable.”

“Ensuring that every Delawarean has easy access to COVID-19 vaccinations remains a top priority,” DPH Director Steven Blessing said, emphasizing the important of access. “The standing order strengthens our ability to reach people where they are.”

Recent actions by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices do not affect Delaware’s vaccine access or requirements. Residents can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines under the standing order.

For more information, the full standing order is available HERE.

Delaware recently joined other Northeastern states in a regional public health coalition to strengthen coordination on COVID-19 and other health challenges. More on that announcement can be found HERE.

Updated COVID-19 recommendations from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative can be found HERE.

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, email govcomm@delaware.gov.

In the wake of federal changes, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Delaware Department of Insurance wish to inform residents about carrier’s intentions regarding insurance coverage for immunizations.

“Vaccines save lives,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “They save money, preventing costly diseases and conditions, keeping insurance and care affordable. They save health care capacity, a critical resource to retain as we face provider shortages. But again, and most importantly: they save lives.”

“Residents are reaching out, concerned that they will lose coverage for and access to the immunizations we rely on to keep our communities healthy. I am proud to share that several of our commercial carriers have committed to continuing to provide their current level of vaccine coverage to policyholders, and we continue to work to ensure consumers have access to information from all insurers operating in Delaware.”

AHIP, America’s Health Insurance Plans, a national association, stated “As we navigate an evolving health care landscape, maintaining robust immunization coverage continues to be a top priority for protecting both individual and community health. We are committed to ongoing coverage of vaccines to ensure access and affordability for this respiratory virus season. We encourage all Delaware residents to talk to their health care provider about vaccines.”

Aetna CVS Health said “From an Aetna perspective, we continue to provide coverage for approved vaccines, including COVID-19, in compliance with applicable state and federal cost-sharing requirements. All members of insured plans voluntarily choosing to vaccinate against COVID-19 may do so with no cost sharing.”

“In addition to offering fully insured plans, Aetna also administers benefits on behalf of thousands of self-funded employers. As with all coverage decisions, self-funded employers determine their own insurance coverage as allowed under various federal and state laws.”

AmeriHealth Caritas said “AmeriHealth Caritas supports our members who choose to get vaccinated by providing vaccine coverage. This coverage is in line with the preventive care service requirements in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We encourage all Delaware residents to talk to their healthcare providers regarding vaccinations.”

Delaware First Health, also known as Centene, Celtic, and Ambetter Health of Delaware, reported that “We’re committed to providing coverage for evidence-based treatments, including vaccines. Ambetter Health of Delaware continues to cover COVID-19 and other vaccinations in alignment with public health guidance, and we encourage members to consult with their physician about all care needs, including vaccinations.”

Highmark shared “Highmark has not changed our vaccine coverage or medical policies on vaccinations. Members should be always consulting with their physician about personal health care needs.”

UnitedHealthcare stated “There have been no immediate changes to vaccine coverage for our commercial members. We continue to monitor and evaluate the latest guidance.”

Cigna did not share commitments at the time of this advisory but is a member of AHIP. This web posting will be updated if shared at a later date, or if carriers modify their coverage determinations.

The Department of Insurance will continue to work with state partners to ensure that vaccine coverages are not diminished. In their commitments to coverage, insurers must provide adequate access to the immunizations offered. Sites of care may shift as health providers and pharmacies determine their paths forward, but carriers will work to ensure continued access even at different network providers. Should insurers’ coverage change, regulatory and/or legislative requirements will be developed.

This consumer advisory does not advise on coverage outside of the commercial market, such as through a self-insured employer, or Medicare Advantage plans, which are not regulated by the Department of Insurance.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 13, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an increase in post-holiday COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, though the increase is not nearly as high as the 2022 post-holiday surge. Still, DPH encourages individuals to take specific action steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, such as staying home when sick, testing when symptoms appear or when exposed to someone with COVID-19, staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, and considering wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

This time last year, Delaware reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic at 3,666 reported on Jan. 6, 2022, and 759 hospitalizations on Jan. 12, 2022. As of the latest data posted to the My Healthy Community dashboard Wednesday, there were 266 new cases on Jan. 6, 2023, and 202 hospitalizations for Jan. 10, 2023. While the reduced number of cases reported does not take into account the large number of likely positive results from at-home testing, which are not reported to DPH, the fact that hospitalizations remain so much lower is a good indicator that there is not as much serious illness being caused by COVID-19 infection. Even with new emerging variants, the tools available to successfully fight COVID-19 have become increasingly effective.   

Viruses constantly mutate and evolve, and sometimes these mutations result in new variants of the virus. The updated bivalent booster provides the best level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization as it strengthens the antibody response against two strains of COVID-19:  the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variants. Health experts say if has been eight (8) months or more since your last vaccine, your protection is limited.  If you are 5+ and it has been at least two months or more since you completed your primary series, haven’t had a recent infection since July, or haven’t been boosted since August, you are eligible for an updated booster. Learn more about where to get a booster at de.gov/boosters.   

Treatment also remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19. If an individual tests positive, especially if they are more likely to get very sick from the virus due to a health condition, treatments are available that reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Those who test positive should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if treatment is appropriate. Most treatments must be started within five days of when symptoms first appear, and the sooner treatment is started, the sooner it begins working to fight the virus.   

Individuals should ask about treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and are either: 

• 50 years or older (especially over 65, as risk increases with age) 
• Unvaccinated 
• Listed as having certain medical conditions – such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more. 

More information, including test-to-treat sites and locations where treatment is available with a prescription, can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/. 

In comparison to COVID-19 data released on Dec. 15, Delaware has seen an increase in the 7-day daily average of new positive cases, hospitalizations and critical hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:    

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 324,137*   
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 221.3, an increase of 62.2 average new positive cases reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5 percentage points, an increase of 6.1 percentage points reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
• Hospitalizations: 202 current hospitalizations, 24 critical hospitalizations  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,220 – increase of 35 from last month including 29 from vital statistic review between Oct – Dec.
  *Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.    

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 2,099,714  
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%     
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%     
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 82.9%     
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.1%     

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 Jan. 2, 2023 – Jan. 8, 2023.    

1. Not up-to-date: Case – Hospital – Death  

Note:   

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9^th, 2022)
DE resident only*   

Long-term Care Statistics:     

As of Thursday, Jan. 10, 2023, there have been a total of 5,278 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,016 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.    

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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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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.

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

DOVER, DE (Dec. 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the state’s first suspected flu-related death for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The patient was a Kent County resident between the ages of 55 – 64 and is not reported as being vaccinated against the flu. Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus.  Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes.  

“The first flu-related death of the season reminds us just how dangerous the flu can be,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Influenza started early this season and has been very active. Getting your flu vaccine as soon as possible is the best way to reduce the chance for flu illness to turn into life-threatening flu complications. Because hospitals, walk-ins, urgent cares, and physicians’ offices are already taxed with sick patient visits, we must do everything we can to prevent adding more stress to the system. Getting your flu vaccine is a very simple way to help yourself and the overall health care system.”

According to the recently launched Influenza Dashboard on My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2022-2023/overview), a total of 5,609 total flu cases have been reported to date during the 2022-2023 flu season. The flu season began Oct 2, 2022. For the week of Dec. 4 to Dec 10, the most recent week for which case data is available, there were 1,125 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported. Although there have been 276,911 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct 2 to Dec 3, it only accounts for 28.6% of the population. 

Seniors ages 65 and older have the highest vaccination rate of any age group in Delaware with 63.3% vaccinated. This population makes up 41.6% of the state’s total vaccinated population. Every other age group has a vaccination rate of under 30% with persons in the 18-34 age demographic having the lowest at 11.1%. The influenza data dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. While flu cases continue to be high, flu hospitalizations remain relatively low.  As of Dec. 3, the most recently available data for flu hospitalizations, there have been 47 hospitalizations for the season to date.

DPH reminds the public it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Visit flu.delaware.gov and click on the Find A Flu Shot Near You button on the webpage for a list of locations where you can receive your flu shot. As a reminder, it is safe to get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster the same day if you are eligible for both.  

Flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that can have varying degrees of symptoms, from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Because these viruses share many of the same signs and symptoms, it is often difficult to tell the difference between them. Common symptoms between these viruses include fever, cough, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, and several others. Testing is needed to confirm if you are sick with these viruses. If you or a family member need to get tested for the flu, DPH recommends contacting your primary health care provider.  

If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option your primary health care provider recommends. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. 

Delawareans are encouraged to take the following preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses: 

• Get vaccinated. While there is currently no vaccine for RSV, there are vaccines for both flu and COVID-19. Make sure you are up-to-date and get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines now. You can get them both during the same visit. 
• Stay home if sick. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Wash hands frequently. 
• Test for COVID-19 if sick, and if that’s negative, consider calling your doctor to see if you should be tested for flu. If you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe antivirals to ease your symptoms. 

For additional information call 1-800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov. The best source of information about the flu vaccine is your primary care provider or a health care professional. 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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.

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