A third of Delaware's eligible now vaccinated

A third of the state's eligible population has been fully vaccinated, as officials say they are winding down mass COVID-19 vaccination events in Dover.

“We're going to finish out Dover this week with some outreach,” said AJ Schall, Delaware Emergency Management Agency director, during the weekly COVID-19 press conference.

State officials will reach out to college students at the Dover DMV, he said, and the mass vaccination events at Dover International Speedway will focus on second doses. The speedway is gearing up for a NASCAR race series that will take place May 14-16.

Gov. John Carney said 50 percent of the state's eligible population has received at least one vaccine shot and 30 percent of people have been fully vaccinated. He said that during a recent White House call, he was told that more information will be shared about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the end of the week. The vaccine was paused April 12 after six women developed blood clots.

The state of Delaware, pharmacies and healthcare facilities continue to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, both of which require two shots. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for 16- and 17-year-olds. Carney continues to push for people to get vaccinated.

“We are seeing a little bit of a softening of demand as we move through the wait lists and registration lists,” he said.

Beebe offers online scheduling

Beebe Healthcare is offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments, although patients cannot choose which vaccine they want to get.

The enhanced online scheduling platform is available at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling.

“We do not know how long the need for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling will be around, but we want to make it as easy as possible for individuals in the future,” said Stephen Keiser, vice president of operations for Beebe Medical Group. “This is a fast and efficient manner to schedule your first dose, and we do have availability each week. This is all a part of Beebe’s plan to make access to healthcare as easy as possible for everyone in Sussex County.”

Officials said the online scheduler is designated for those seeking their first dose. Those who need a second-dose appointment should call 302-645-3200. Beebe Medical Group will be adding appointments regularly as the process moves forward.

“These online scheduling efforts for the COVID-19 vaccine complement what we are doing in the community,” said Dr. David A. Tam, Beebe Healthcare president and CEO. “Between the scheduled clinics throughout the county, the bookmobile partnership with Sussex EMS and libraries, and many more partnered clinics for those with barriers to the vaccine, I couldn’t be prouder of team Beebe’s efforts to serve all of Sussex County.”

In addition to COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Beebe Medical Group offers online scheduling for virtual visits, aka telemedicine, with all providers, including primary care, specialty care, and Beebe Walk-In Care. Individuals can schedule walk-in care appointments online for one of Beebe’s four locations in Rehoboth, Millsboro, Georgetown and Millville.

Anyone seeking a primary care provider can call 302-645-3332 to make an appointment with a nearby provider who is accepting new patients.

“Beebe Medical Group is recruiting new providers every day to improve access to our healthcare services,” Keiser said.