Author: Kate Smith

COVID-19 Vaccine Record Now Accessible via QR Tool

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DOVER, DE (Dec. 21, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that individuals vaccinated in Delaware will now have access to a QR code when downloading their COVID-19 vaccination record. The digital COVID-19 vaccination card now includes the QR code and is available through the DelVAX Public Portal, a site where those who were vaccinated in Delaware can access their immunization records. When the person accesses their COVID-19 record they will be able to download a PDF version of it, which resembles a vaccine card and includes the QR Code. The image can then be saved to a phone Read More …

DPH Advises Vaccine Providers to Offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years of Age

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DOVER (NOV. 3, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Delaware’s vaccine providers can begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 pediatric vaccine to children ages 5 to 11. Today’s announcement comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week gave its approval to expand Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to children in this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met Tuesday and agreed with the FDA findings. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the advisory Read More …

DPH Announces Third Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2021

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DOVER (Nov. 2, 2021) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that a 87-year-old Kent County woman has become infected with West Nile Virus (WNV), making it the state’s third case of human WNV in 2021. The woman indicated no travel history that could have led to transmission, meaning she contracted WNV in Delaware. To protect the patient’s privacy, DPH will not provide additional information on this case.  WNV is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health problems. WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, generally in summer and fall, with a peak period for disease transmissions from mid-August Read More …

First Flu Cases of the Season

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DELAWARE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM FIRST TWO FLU CASES OF THE 2021-2022 SEASON, INCLUDING FIRST PEDIATRIC CASE DOVER (NOV. 1, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s first two laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza for the 2021-2022 flu season, including the first pediatric case of the season. The cases involve a Kent County child under the age of 5, infected with influenza strain B, who was hospitalized, as well as a 26-year-old Sussex County woman, with influenza strain A, who was not hospitalized. Neither individual had received the flu vaccine. “This first case of the flu is Read More …

DPH Advises Vaccine Providers to Offer Booster Doses for All Three COVID-19 Vaccine Brands to Eligible Delawareans

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“Mix and match” booster approach available to those interested DOVER (OCT. 22, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Delaware’s vaccine providers can begin administering booster doses for vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson to certain populations that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine received booster authorization last month. DPH is also advising that any of the three authorized vaccines can be administered to qualifying individuals as a booster in a “mix and match” approach to the vaccine originally received. This decision comes after Read More …

DPH Announces Second Human Case of West Nile Virus and First Case Detected in a Horse for 2021

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DOVER (Oct. 8, 2021) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that a 79-year-old Sussex County woman has become infected with West Nile Virus (WNV), the state’s second case of human WNV in 2021. An epidemiological investigation is currently ongoing to confirm any travel history or sources that could have led to transmission. To protect the patient’s privacy, no more information will be provided on the individual at this time. “As mosquito season continues through the fall months, it is important for everyone to take proper precautions when going outdoors in an environment where mosquitoes are prevalent,” said Read More …

DPH Advises Vaccine Providers to Offer Pfizer Booster to Eligible Delawareans

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PRIORITY TO Seniors, lONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS AND THOSE AT RISK of severe COVID-19  DOVER (SEPT. 24, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that the state’s vaccine providers can begin administering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to certain populations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally voted to expand the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be administered for certain populations six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Boosters are Read More …

Stray cat in New Castle Tests Positive for Rabies

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DOVER, DE (Sept. 15, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising residents who live or spend time in the vicinity between West Ninth Street and West Third Street near Battery Park in New Castle of a positive case of rabies in a stray cat that came into contact with four individuals and a dog recently. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Sept. 9, 2021. The individuals who came in contact with the cat have all begun treatment for rabies exposure. Anyone who thinks they may have been bitten, scratched, or come in Read More …

Communicating About Vaccination in the United States: A FrameWorks Strategic Brief

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O’Shea, P., L’Hote, E., Assar, M., Hestres, L., & Rochman, A. (2021, September).  Introduction In early July 2021, Gov. Larry Hogan announced that Maryland would award 20 $50,000 collegescholarships to young people who are vaccinated against COVID-19. A month earlier, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice had announced a plethora of COVID-19 vaccine incentives, including a $1.5 million cash prize, trucks, hunting rifles, and shotguns. These decisions illustrate how ubiquitous the issue of vaccine uptake and how to increase it has been in American public and political discourse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts recognize that vaccine uptake is Read More …