After a slow start, Delaware has moved into the top 10 when it came to the percentage of the population receiving coronavirus vaccinations.
As of Saturday, 100,678 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had gone into the arms of state residents according to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX.
Ramping up the vaccination rate will be difficult since the state has received a total of 120,850 doses, with the number of weekly shipments of doses averaging 20,000 or less. As of Saturday, only about 20,000 doses remained.
Delaware displayed an ability to vaccinate more than 10,000 people during a weekend “sprint” with drive-up events at DMV centers. Problems with traffic back-ups, hours-long waits and balky computers were reported but were roned out on the following Sunday.
A report from NPR ranked Delaware 10th among the 50 states in the percentage of the population getting at least one dose, well ahead of neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania.
States with smaller populations have tended to have been more successful in administering vaccines. Leading the way was West Virginia, with the Dakotas and New Mexico ranking in the upper tier.
States are struggling with getting second doses to first responders who, along with nursing home residents, were part of the first phase.
The CDC vaccine tracker reported that more than 14,000 Delawareans had received two doses. The CDC tracker says a higher number of vaccine deliveries and fewer vaccinations than the Delaware tracker.
Delaware is now in Phase 1B, which covers those over 65 and some essential workers.
Vaccinating those in Phase 1B will require a total of 400,000 doses. The state is currently screening those registered in Phase 1B, with older Delawareans and those with the most significant risk factors getting a higher priority in gaining vaccination reservations.
State health officials are also advising people in 1B to seek alternate vaccine sources, such as pharmacies and health care providers.
Delaware’s latest Covid-19 vaccination statistics can be found on the Vaccine Tracker dashboard.
Additional information about Delaware’s vaccine rollout, which includes a list of pharmacies and medical providers accepting public requests for vaccination, is available at de.gov/covidvaccine.
Questions can be directed to the Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov.
