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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Second dose COVID vaccination center coming to Dover

Daniel Schludi / Unsplash

A COVID-19 vaccination center opens at Dover International Speedway later this week.

The vaccination center is scheduled for six days starting Sunday, February 21st, and is a joint effort of FEMA, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the speedway and other state and federal agencies.

 

The center's opening is moving back one day is due to inclement weather in other parts of the country and expected locally. That weather is affecting travel for federal personnel over the next several days.

The center is for second-dose appointments only, and only be available to those who received a first-dose from the Division of Public Health at Salesianium or the Dover, Georgetown, and Delaware City DMVs.

 

Appointments will initially be available for Sunday, Feb. 21 through Thursday, Feb. 25. Additional appointments for Friday, Feb. 26 may open later based on demand.

Gov. John Carney says the event at Dover International Speedway is a sure way for many to get their second dose.

"This is an opportunity made available by the federal government using our supply to really focus on making sure the folks that received their first dose at those clinics receive their second dose here at Dover International Speedway," said Carney. "We understand that requires some folks to travel but it's a way to get thousands of folks their second dose."

The state expects to deliver about 18,000 second doses over the course of the six day event at the Monster Mile. Officials say they’ve already administered 34,000 second doses and are allocating 16,000 more for use this week.

Second-dose appointments at the Dover International Speedway clinic open Wednesday at 11 a.m. at de.gov/fema, or you can call 1-833-643-1715 if you don’t have online access.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director A.J. Schall says it’s an easy sign-up process.

"Simple process, no login, no profile needed," said Schall. "You sign up putting some of your information, email address, and you pick on what event you got your first vaccination. Was it the Delaware City DMV, was it the Dover DMV, then you're given the time selection over whatever days we open up in the hours allotted. From there you get the confirmation. Make sure you bring your vaccination card to the site so we make sure we get the right vaccine."

Those who received their first vaccine dose at the Chase Center in Wilmington can expect to return there for a second dose at an event that has not been scheduled yet. They should not sign-up for an appointment at Dover International Speedway.

Carney emphasized Tuesday that the biggest barrier to doing more vaccination remains the supply the state is receiving from the federal government.

"The issue is really pretty simple: we don't have enough supply," said Carney. "We don't have enough supply for those who are demnding to get vaccination. And it all comes down to that."

 

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.