Governor’s Office Provides Updates on COVID-19 Vaccination and Access

DOVER - The Delaware Board of Pharmacy has approved a standing order authorizing pharmacists to continue administering COVID-19 vaccines, that was issued by the Division of Public Health (DPH). This action ensures Delaware residents can access vaccines at the same rate as before the order, with no interruptions to availability.

The standing order allows individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccines directly from pharmacists without a separate prescription. DPH encourages Delawareans to consult with their health care provider to determine what is best for their personal health needs.

"Making vaccines easy to get is one of the best ways we can keep our families and communities safe," Governor Matt Meyer said. "This standing order means Delawareans have the freedom to choose to go to a local pharmacy and get a COVID-19 vaccine without worry or delay. Thank you to the Board of Pharmacy for acting swiftly to deliver peace of mind and stronger protection for everyone heading into the fall."

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination, developed through a joint effort of the Northeastern public health collaborative, are available at de.gov/covidvaccine.

The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) and DPH are currently reviewing vaccine-related regulations for schools and expect to begin a public comment process in the coming months.

"The Department of Education follows the guidance of our state's public health experts, and we take that responsibility seriously," Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said. "Vaccines protect the students who receive them and stop the spread of disease in the general population. The announcement last week by Governor Meyer ensures Delawareans will continue to have ready access to vaccines and reliable medical information that is fact-based and centered on scientific research - at a time when federal health advice has become unreliable."

"Ensuring that every Delawarean has easy access to COVID-19 vaccinations remains a top priority," DPH Director Steven Blessing said, emphasizing the important of access. "The standing order strengthens our ability to reach people where they are."

Recent actions by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices do not affect Delaware's vaccine access or requirements. Residents can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines under the standing order.

For more information, the full standing order is available HERE.

Delaware recently joined other Northeastern states in a regional public health coalition to strengthen coordination on COVID-19 and other health challenges. More on that announcement can be found HERE.

Updated COVID-19 recommendations from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative can be found HERE.

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, email [email protected].