PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Delaware is moving to Phase 1b of its vaccine distribution plan, starting immediately.
State officials want to initially focus on vaccinating individuals 65 and older. They can begin registering for appointments Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
There will also be five appointment-only drive-thru vaccination events this weekend for the 65-and-older age group. Anyone in Phase 1a who did not already get vaccinated can also do so at these events, but by appointment.
More than 200,000 Delawareans qualify for Phase 1b. Those 65 and older are included, as well as police and firefighters, corrections officers, teachers and child care workers, transit workers, food service and grocery store workers, and other front-line essential workers.
However, due to a limited number of doses available, the state warns that it could take "weeks or months" to vaccinate everyone eligible in this phase.
In a release, the state Division of Public Health said it expects more appointment requests than doses and slots are available. The 1b waitlist will prioritize people based on age, medical condition and other risk factors.
Delawareans who are 65 and older who request an appointment but do not immediately receive a response will continue to stay on the waitlist.
Gov. John Carney and health officials will provide more information on Phase 1b during a public Q&A Tuesday at 7 p.m. Delawareans can submit questions to townhall@delaware.gov.
