By Tim Mastro

DOVER — Delaware’s 2021 flu vaccination campaign outpaced 2020’s vaccination rate, according to recent data from the Delaware Division of Public Health.

A total of 282,701 influenza vaccinations have been reported between August 2021 and November 2021, according to information in the state’s DelVAX database as of Dec. 1.

During the same time period last year, August 2020 to November 2020, a total of 128,908 influenza vaccinations were reported, according to the DelVAX database.

Flu season typically runs from October to March, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The peak is usually by the end of February, according to CDC, but sometimes, that surge can spread into March.

DPH spokeswoman Jen Brestel said the vaccination campaign will run throughout the flu season.

“It is definitely not too late to get a flu shot,” Ms. Brestel said. “As we head into the winter months, we highly encourage anyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot as soon as possible if they have not done so already. With the easing of pandemic measures, more Delawareans are now interacting outside the home, more public events are happening, and fewer people are wearing masks. This makes it easier for the flu to spread. The sooner you get the flu vaccine, the sooner you can start to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Ms. Brestel added flu vaccination is particularly important for groups at higher risk, such as seniors, women who are pregnant, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.

DPH reported 22 lab-confirmed cases of the flu so far this year, according to its latest weekly surveillance report which reflects data as of Nov. 20. There have been no flu-related deaths so far this flu season.

Delaware is coming off its best flu season since the state began tracking cases in 2004-2005. The 2020-2021 flu season saw only one death due to the flu and the state’s lowest total of flu cases of all-time with 26, according to the state’s final report. This beat the previous mark of 267 confirmed flu cases from the 2011-12 season.

In 2019-20, 7,075 cases were reported to DPH, and 400 individuals ended up hospitalized. There were also 11 recorded deaths due to the flu that year.

DPH’s flu data only includes lab-confirmed cases — the actual number of cases statewide is likely higher, as not all people with the flu seek treatment. Additionally, many instances of the illness are diagnosed through rapid tests in a provider’s office instead of via a lab.

The spread of the virus usually varies from year to year, so it is likely too early to predict what type of flu season this year will bring but DPH said it is pleased with the vaccination progress so far.

“We are encouraged by the fact that we are already seeing an increase in flu vaccinations compared to this same time last year,” Ms. Brestel said. “But it is likely a bit too soon to assess the full impact of the vaccination campaign as it is still ongoing.”

Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, participating medical providers’ offices, DPH clinics and at federally qualified health centers for their patients. The vaccine can be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 inoculation.