By Tim Mastro

DOVER — State officials are taking a three-pronged approach in an attempt to increase Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccinations to help reach their goal of 70% Delawareans vaccinated by July 4.

Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, said the state is focused on educating those who have not received their shots yet, providing incentives to them and facilitating ease of access to the vaccine.

Dr. Rattay added the first step starts in the form of tackling misinformation about the vaccines to overcome any remaining vaccine hesitancy.

“It’s really important people have correct information, especially around how effective these vaccines are and what side effects have been found,” she said. “The great news is these vaccines are extremely effective.”

Real world studies have confirmed 94% or higher effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. All vaccines have been proven extremely effective at decreasing hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and deaths as well, said Dr. Rattay.

The DPH has teamed up with prominent Delaware health providers for education campaigns regarding the vaccines and has done door-to-door community outreach as well.

“There are a lot of myths out there on the internet,” Dr. Rattay said. “It is important that we continue to get the facts to people.”

Delaware released its COVID-19 vaccine incentive program last week as DE Wins! offers Delawareans who get vaccinated before June 30 the chance to win vacations, scholarships, tickets to various events, gift cards, state park passes and other various prizes.

The grand prize is a $302,000 cash prize and two low-number Delaware license plates through a drawing conducted by the Delaware Lottery. Every Delawarean who is already vaccinated plus those who receive their vaccine before June 30 is eligible.

There will also be twice-weekly drawings by the Delaware Lottery for Delawareans 12 years old and older who are vaccinated from May 25 to June 29 for a chance to win $5,000 in cash and other prizes. Delawareans vaccinated from now until June 29 at DPH clinics also will receive a $10 gift card to either Grotto Pizza or Wawa, or a $10 VISA gift card.

Dr. Rattay said the state began its incentive program after seeing the success other states were having, mentioning Ohio and Maine specifically.

“Incentives drive positive health behavior,” Dr. Rattay said.

Full details on prizes and eligibility is available at dewins.org.

This week also began a partnership with the state and ride-sharing apps Uber and Lyft to offer free rides to and from vaccine appointments. There is a special selection once opening the app to choose a ride to a nearby vaccination site users can now select.

This program will run until July 4. Masks are still required in Ubers and Lyfts due to the state’s current travel guidelines.

It is part of an effort to reduce any barriers an individual might face to get a vaccine, said Dr. Rattay. The state is also increasing available doses to pharmacies, allowing more walk-in hours and setting up more mobile vaccination clinics.

“Vaccines are easy to find,” Dr. Rattay said.

For a full list of vaccination clinics visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.