DE Public Health Announces Changes in Covid Testing, Treatment, Vaccinations & Data Releases; Flu Update
The Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 24, 2022. As a result of declining COVID-19 cases, DPH is changing the frequency of these data releases from weekly to monthly. The next data release will be April 22. DPH will issue releases prior to that date with any important situational updates. Data will continue to be updated daily on the My Health Community data portal – de.gov/healtycommunity. Additionally, DPH is issuing the following updates regarding testing and vaccinations in Delaware.
Changes in Federal Program May Now Impact Vaccinations for Uninsured
Last week, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) announced that the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program (UIP) would stop accepting claims for testing and treatment of COVID-19 due to a lack of sufficient funds. That change took effect earlier this week. Now the program will no longer reimburse providers for vaccinating uninsured individuals as of 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2022. These changes may result in some COVID-19 testing and vaccine providers deciding not to offer free services to uninsured individuals. However, free testing and vaccination options remain available for those without insurance in Delaware. Those without insurance can still access free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at Division of Public Health clinics. Those who have insurance are encouraged to seek testing and vaccinations at locations outside of DPH. For a list of testing locations statewide visit de.gov/gettested. For a list of vaccination sites, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. You are encouraged to contact the site in advance to verify insurance requirements.
DPH Standing Vaccine Sites to Close After March 31
DPH opened four standing vaccine sites statewide to accommodate large numbers of individuals who wanted to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Due to declining vaccination numbers at the sites, vaccine administration activities will shift to the DPH Clinics. After March 31, the following sites will no longer offer vaccinations. Testing at these sites by Curative is also in the process of moving to other locations. You should confirm where your Curative testing will take place prior to going.
- Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
- Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
- Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
- University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702
Flu Update:
DPH reminds the public that flu season is not over. There were 104 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of March 14-March 21. As of March 25, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 901 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 521 individuals from New Castle County, 143 from Kent County and 237 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. There may be technical discrepancies of reporting numbers week to week due to retroactive reporting of cases.
All individuals 6 months and older may still get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.
