The state’s three largest hospital systems, ChristianaCare, Bayhealth and Beebe reported they are following state guidelines and not giving Covid-19 vaccines to financial donors.
Reports have been widespread about donors being able to jump the line and receive vaccines. The issue has been coming to light as economic and racial inequities are being reported in vaccinations amid indications that whites are being vaccinated at higher rates than blacks.
This statement was issued by a ChristianaCare spokesperson:
“ChristianaCare is following the state of Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and partnering with the Delaware Division of Public Health to vaccinate people in our community according to state guidelines. We did not include our board, Council of Advisors or donors in Phase 1A vaccinations of health care workers, and we did not provide these groups with early access to phase 1B vaccination. As our supply of vaccine allows, we will schedule appointments for those who express interest by completing our vaccination interest form and who meet the state’s criteria for eligibility throughout each phase of the state’s vaccination plan. We encourage people to express their interest by completing the form on our website at https://christianacare.org/coronavirus-vaccine/. People who do not have internet access may call 1-800-693-CARE (2273) and a call center operator can assist them in completing the form.”
If donors of our Bayhealth Foundation have received the COVID-19 vaccine, it would be because of their status within the 1a and 1b designations.”
David Tam, CEO of Beebe Healthcare stated: “Beebe is following the directives from the state as it pertains to the tiered distribution of the vaccine, while ensuring that our allocated supply is being used in a manner that avoids waste,” said David A. Tam, CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Our administration process does not consider a person’s gifts to the Beebe Medical Foundation.”
Delaware and other states are now awaiting supplies of vaccines after mass vaccination efforts reduced the First State’s remaining doses to about 13,000, according to the state’s dashboard.
Delaware entities have still not given two doses to all frontline personnel who received 1A vaccinations but plans to complete that phase of vaccinations within 35 days after the first shot.
Delaware has been receiving an average of 15,000 to 20,000 doses a week, with the Biden Administration vowing to increase shipments.
The state faces the challenge of vaccinating people in Phase 1B, a group that numbers 200,000 and would require a total of 400,000 doses. Phase 1B includes those over 65 and some essential workers.
So far, vaccination invitations from the state vaccine site have been going out to the oldest residents and those at greatest risk of contracting the virus.
An estimated eight percent of Delaware’s population has received at least one dose. Demand continues to far exceeding supply, with residents over the age of 65 registering on multiple sites in an effort to get a vaccination.
Gov. John Carney, who is nearing the age of 65, said he will wait. his turn. The state’s. Congressional Delegation has received doses.
