Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health answered some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is it true that now anyone age 16-64 with a high- or moderate-risk medical condition is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine? What do I do if I fall into this category and do I need to show proof?

“Now, anyone aged 16-64 with a high- or moderate-risk medical condition is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, non-paid or family caregivers of high- and moderate-risk individuals are also eligible.

These medical conditions include chronic health conditions that put individuals at greater or severe risk of illness for COVID-19, such as diabetes, cancer, COPD, heart, kidney and lung conditions. A full list of these conditions can be found at de.gov/covidvaccine.

Delawareans should contact their medical provider about vaccination opportunities if they fit into one of these categories.

We are asking Delaware health care providers, including hospitals, to identify and vaccinate their highest-risk patients first using their clinical judgment. These providers will be in the best position to determine if someone should receive the vaccine based on their medical history.

If your medical provider is not vaccinating, they have been given instructions for how to refer their patients to the hospital systems for vaccination opportunities.

Please remain patient. There are a lot of individuals in the new group seeking vaccine. We know our health care providers are getting lots of calls. We are very excited to expand opportunities for individuals who are in the high- or moderate-risk group at this time.”

Is it true that now anyone over the age of 50-plus is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine? What do I do if I fall into this category?

“Now, anyone age 50 and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. A list of pharmacies and their appointment registration links can be found at de.gov/getmyvaccine, under the pharmacy section.

Also on Tuesday, March 23, the state of Delaware is expanding its vaccination waiting list to any Delawarean, 50 and older. This is the list that the state uses to invite residents to state-run vaccination events, such as those at the Dover International Speedway or through our vaccine partner, Curative. Delaware residents 50 and older will be able to get on the waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov.

So those who are 50-plus will have two options – and probably more in the coming future – for being vaccinated and should take advantage of whichever one offers you a vaccine appointment first.

We are moving away from the phased-based approach and will prioritize based on age over upcoming weeks before opening eligibility up to all adult Delawareans on May 1.”

As Delaware is expanding eligibility, what does that mean for other frontline and essential workers?

“The state of Delaware is expanding eligibility for vaccination and that does include frontline and other essential workers like many in our business community.

Just because we are moving away from talking about eligible employee groups by phases, that doesn’t mean you have been forgotten.

We are now using terms ‘frontline essential workers and other essential workers.’

Let me tell you about who is in these groups. You’ve already heard a little bit about frontline essential workers which includes: all educators including childcare, correctional officers, first responders, those in food manufacturing such as frontline poultry workers as well as grocery store workers, those in public transit, and even colleges and universities for individuals who are in-person.

Now for those who are in the essential workforce, we haven’t gotten to you yet, but we hope to very soon. That includes individuals in transportation and logistics, personal services like hair, nails and massage, those in court and justice services who are in-person as well as food services like food servers, bartenders and cooks. Additionally, those in construction and government, such as water and wastewater, as well as energy and media are included in this essential workforce category.

Where we are now is that we are really focused on those frontline essential workers and we are working through that group. This is based on risk so as soon as we are able, we are going to move into that next category of essential workforce.

For employers who have not yet worked with us to find out the best way to get your employees vaccinated, please make sure you send an email to vaccineplanning@delaware.gov, so we can work with you on a plan.”

Is Delaware behind or in front of other states in vaccinating its population?

“Delaware is making great progress in vaccinating our population. More than 20% of our population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 67% of seniors are partially or fully vaccinated. Additionally, 24% who are 16-plus are partially or fully vaccinated.

States fall in the range of 14-29% vaccinated.

We in Delaware will continue to strive for fast and fair distribution of vaccines.”

Why the shift to the age-based criteria versus phases?

“We are so excited that our vaccine supply has significantly increased, and additionally the capacity of our vaccine providers has increased. At the same time, we have seen the request for vaccine from Delaware seniors decreasing. Now, we are in a position to make them available to more Delawareans. This also allows us to meet President Biden’s directive to ensure all adult residents are eligible by May 1.

Right now we are making a strong push through the end of March to vaccinate the remaining seniors who are 65-plus and frontline essential workers who want a vaccine, but we are also very excited to be able to begin reaching other vulnerable Delawareans.”

I prefer to receive the J&J vaccine because it is only one dose. How do I select this preference?

“When it is your turn, please get vaccinated when vaccines are available for you, with whatever type of vaccine is available.

All three vaccines are equally important in preventing illness and death. They all are 100% effective in preventing death and hospitalization.

We don’t see any vaccine as inferior to the other. To view a comparison of these vaccines, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.”