PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Delaware isn’t shifting to the next phase of vaccinations yet, but the state is allowing more people — who are already eligible in the current phase — to get their shots.
Delaware Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay said the state has been laser-focused on immunizing the 65-and-older bracket, so other Delawareans who are currently eligible may have been shuffled to the backburner.
“We are really excited to get started with the vaccination of front-line grocery store workers, public transit bus drivers, Amtrak workers,” she said, “those who are interacting with the public or closely with each other.”
Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers and higher education workers can also make their appointments.
“We really want to make sure that our seniors have the opportunity for vaccination at least as much as possible before we move on,” Rattay added. “We don’t want them fighting with a younger, more technologically savvy population to be able to get in line to get their vaccine.”
She said seniors are also more likely to have severe health consequences, including hospitalization or even death, which is why there was a holdup for other front-line workers.
Gov. John Carney acknowledged Delaware is a little behind other neighboring states, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where these groups have already been getting their shots.
“My own view is maybe they’re being a little loose with it and crossing over more, which we think will cause more confusion,” he said.
Delaware isn’t expected to move into the next phase of vaccinations for at least the next few weeks, likely longer.