Delaware is expanding vaccine eligibility again.
Gov. John Carney says starting April 6 all Delawareans 16 and over can register for the state’s vaccination waiting list.
That means the First State will meet President Biden's May 1 goal of making all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine almost a month ahead of time.
"Doesn't mean you'll have an appointment ready the next day, but you'll be on the list to be offered appointments across our state closer to where you live," said Carney. "This is in advance of President Biden's directive that all states open up to all eligible residents of the states access to vaccinations by May 1."
State officials note invitations to state vaccination events will be contingent on supply. They will also be prioritized based on age and other risk factors, including pre-existing medical conditions.
Delaware pharmacies can also start vaccinating people 16 and over on Tuesday, April 6.
But medical providers, such as primary care docs, specialty providers, and hospital systems, will continue to only vaccinate Delawareans between 16-64 with moderate- and high-risk medical conditions and disabilities.
And Delaware Division of Public Health director Dr. Karyl Rattay reminds those under 18 there is one caveat to form them when they register for a COVID-19 vaccine.
"Two of our vaccines, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson, are for 18 and up. So for those 16 and 17 year olds out there, Pfizer is the only vaccine that you can use," said Rattay. "So, if you are looking for a vaccine and you're finding an appointment and you're 16 or 17 make sure it's Pfizer that you are finding."
This latest expansion in eligibility comes a week after people 50 and over were allowed to join the state’s vaccination wait list.
To date, Delaware had administered over 449,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with about 159,000 people fully vaccinated.
