I want my vaccine and I want it now

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Good afternoon,

The clock is ticking.

I’m not talking about the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and running-mate Kamala Harris on Wednesday.

In the words of the  former Vice President, the event in D.C. is a big F’n deal.

But even in Biden’s home state of Delaware, a bigger deal centers on coronavirus vaccinations for  Phase 1B. The vast category includes the state’s 65-plus contingent, the medically vulnerable  and essential workers.

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One report on Monday indicated that an announcement was imminent.

Gov. John Carney, who was sworn in for a second term today,  did not hold his usual Tuesday after a Covid-19 briefing, an event that is sometimes preceded by a big announcement. 

Just now,  the governor scheduled at 7 p.m. streaming update and Q&A session. (Click here for the link). It  was followed up by an announcement of registration for 1B kicking off tomorrow morning. Newsletter readers can check out the story below.

Unlike neighboring states, Delaware had not announced a  registration system for vaccinations. In a way, the caution is understandable.

A statewide registration system could be prone to computer crashes and user frustration in the early going. In other words, patience may be needed.

Already, seniors and younger people have kept the lines busy at physicians’ officers and pharmacies. 

In Coastal Sussex County, Beebe Healthcare yesterday announced its Phase 1B program will grant top priority on patients 80 and over in its primary care system.

The surge in  interest comes as more of us learn of someone who qualified for the early vaccinations, got wind of drive-up events or in scattered cases happened to be lucky enough to be around when the pharmacist or vax event had extra doses.

It has  led to rumors and  angry allegations of dirty work at the crossroads, even when logical explanations are offered. Some would prefer the system in place in portions of Florida that can lead to car campouts or sleeping outside, not a good idea up north.

The furor won’t die down until the vaccine supply becomes more plentiful. At present, the state’s vaccine tracker is a discouraging destination, with total supplies barely budging in the past week. No shipments have been received since January 13.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s site, which seems to have a bead on direct shipments of Covid-19 vaccine to nursing homes listed 91,000 doses as of this morning.

It’s hard to get a handle on the numbers,  but it seems likely  that the state’s vaccine supply will  be tapped out when about 60,000 people or about six percent of the total population get the required two doses. 

More vaccine is on the way but is safe to say it would take upwards of 400,000 doses to vaccinate the over 65 set as well as many of the state’s essential workers.  Even then, hospitality industry workers and others might have to wait.

In the meantime, Delaware Business Now will pass along any new developments in what will be the biggest business and non-business story of the year. –Doug Rainey, chief content officer.

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