Delaware Gov. John Carney says the state may be able to vaccinate about eight in 10 Delawareans.
“We have a long way to go,” Carney said at his weekly Covid-19 briefing as he discussed the task of reaching President Biden’s goal of having 70 percent of adults get at least one dose of vaccine.
As of Wednesday, Delaware was within 1.4% of the 70% goal. Nearby states, most recently New York, have hit 70%. (See interactive map below)
The percentage of the state’s entire population getting at least one shot is 56.6 percent, with 46.6 percent getting both doses.
The governor noted that the number of first doses has dropped below 1,000 a day, a figure that makes getting to 70% more difficult.
Carney said the state will not stop at 70% and will work to get to the 80% mark.
The governor cited studies that have pointed to the 80% figure.
Some in the no vaccine camp, believe without supporting evidence, that vaccine is dangerous or ineffective. Also cited are previous abuses involving communities of color.
The group with the lowest percentage of vaccinations is young adults, 18-34. However, vaccination figures for pre-teens and teens are encouraging given the short period of time vaccines have been available.
The state has been working with community organizations and churches to encourage vaccinations.
In the meantime, Delaware has seen an 11 percent decline in Covid-19 cases during the past week, according to Delaware Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyn Rattay.
The low rate comes despite an increase in testing during the past week following weeks of declines.
Delaware’s latest Covid-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.
Below is a graphic from Big Local News that uses data compiled by Covid Act Now and the New York Times. Laptop and desktop computer users can click on the headers below or maps for data on cases, fatalities, and vaccinations in Delaware and other states.
