Category: Child Support

DOVER, DEL. (Oct. 24, 2023) – Delaware will hold its 25th National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sharps disposals for needle disposal will be available at select locations, as well as overdose response education with free Narcan available at select locations.

Organized nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is operated locally by the Division of Public Health (DPH). The twice-a-year event is aimed at reducing the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in 114,470 pounds of medication being collected in Delaware since 2010. Properly discarding unused medications through this event is an important ongoing activity in the effort to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. Doing so reduces the risk of addiction by keeping prescription medications out of the hands of people who may misuse, abuse, or divert them and helps reduce the risk of drug overdoses.

Help reduce the risk of having unused prescription drugs in the house by participating in this free event. Addiction can begin with easy access to prescription medications in the homes of someone they know. Many misused prescription drugs are obtained from family or friends.

A total of 4,200 pounds of unneeded medication were collected at 23 Delaware locations on October 29, 2022.

In addition to the sites participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day activities, there are permanent medicine drop-off locations available year-round. In addition to medicine drop-off locations, DPH and community partners also distribute Deterra bags (medication deactivation bags) to use at home.

The medications to be disposed of at the Take-Back Day locations must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers. Besides medications, vape pens and e-cigarettes will be collected if the batteries are removed. Twenty (20) locations in Delaware are currently participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back event. You can find the current list of locations here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Delawareans can bring any used needles to be disposed of properly at the Laurel, Milton, Middletown and Wilmington police departments. The used needle disposal containers are only for the public and not commercial entities. Individuals will need to sign a waiver stating that needles are from home use. Outside of healthcare facilities, an estimated 7.8 billion injections occur a year according to solid waste and recycling organization Waste 360. The safest way to dispose of needles is to use a designated Sharps disposal container which is delivered to incinerators to avoid accidental exposure.

To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, six of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back locations (Wilmington, New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Milford, and Laurel Police Departments) will also offer Overdose Response Training and Narcan distribution to the public. It is recommended that anyone who has a prescription for opioids or has friends and family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community trainings and where to get free Narcan, visit: https://www.helpisherede.com/addiction/prevention

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 833-9-HOPEDE. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DEL. (Oct. 16, 2023)– According to the latest cancer data from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware’s mortality rate continues to decline. Between 2006 and 2020, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.8% per year in Delaware and decreased an average of 1.7% per year in the U.S. Delaware’s current ranking of 15th among the states for highest all-site cancer mortality is the same ranking as in the 2022 report, which examined the 2015-2019 time period. This represents considerable continued progress since the 1990s, when the state ranked second among the states for all-site cancer mortality.

DPH presented its data report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2016-2020, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) on Monday. In this report, DPH compares Delaware’s cancer incidence and mortality statistics to those of the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in delays and reductions in cancer screening and diagnosis, which subsequently led to a decline in 2020 incidence counts and rates that was considered an anomaly. Therefore, in this report, cancer incidence rates are compared for the period of 2006 to 2020. Cancer mortality rates are compared for the period of 2006 to 2020. A compendium report, Census Tract-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2016-2020, was also released which presents calculations and detailed maps with all-site cancer incidence rates by census tract.

“I want to thank the Delaware Cancer Consortium and the Division of Public Health for promoting prevention efforts and increasing access to screenings. The data in this Annual Report shows we are diagnosing cancer earlier and providing better access to care,” said Governor John Carney. “The earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. Timely care also leads to better quality of life for cancer survivors. It’s important that Delawareans talk to their providers and get their recommended cancer screenings so that we can see health outcomes continue to improve year over year.”

Delaware’s 2016-2020 all-site cancer mortality rate (156.8 per 100,000 population) is higher than the U.S. rate (149.4 per 100,000 population).

• Delaware (17.6 per 100,000 population) has a lower prostate cancer mortality rate compared to the U.S. (18.8 per 100,000 population).
• Delaware (12.7 per 100,000 population) has a lower colorectal cancer mortality rate compared to the U.S. (13.1 per 100,000 population).
• Delaware (38.4 per 100,000 population) has a higher lung cancer mortality rate compared to the U.S. (35.0 per 100,000 population).
• Delaware (20.7 per 100,000 population) has a higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to the U.S. (19.6 per 100,000 population).

Between 2006 and 2020, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.7% per year among non-Hispanic White males and decreased an average of 1.9% per year among non-Hispanic White females. Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 2.1% per year among non-Hispanic Black males and remained stable for non-Hispanic Black females. Between 2005 and 2019, the trend in mortality rates for all-site cancer were stable among both Hispanic males and females.

Regarding cancer incidence, between 2006 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.1% per year in Delaware and an average of 0.6% per year in the U.S. While progress continues to be made, Delaware’s 2016-2020 all-site cancer incidence rate (457.6 per 100,000 population) remains higher than the comparable U.S. rate (442.2 per 100,000 population). Delaware currently ranks 20th among the states for highest all-site cancer incidence.

Between 2006 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.9% per year among non-Hispanic White males and remained stable for non-Hispanic White females. During that same period, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 2.1% per year among non-Hispanic Black males and decreased an average of 1.1% per year among non-Hispanic Black females. Between 2006 and 2019, the trend in incidence rates for all-site cancer was stable among both Hispanic males and Hispanic females.

“Because we know early screening and prevention bring down cancer mortality rates, we want to ensure that every Delawarean– especially those facing economic, social and other obstacles to quality healthcare– has equal access to timely cancer preventative screenings, said DHSS Secretary Josette Manning. “Free cancer screenings are available to eligible Delawareans through the Screening for Life (SFL) Program.”

The top four cancers for incidence in Delaware are: female breast (134.5 per 100,000 population), prostate (125.0 per 100,000 population), lung and bronchus (56.9 per 100,000 population), and colorectal (34.6 per 100,000 population). The top four cancers for mortality in Delaware are: lung and bronchus (38.4 per 100,000 population), female breast (20.7 per 100,000 population), prostate (17.6 per 100,000 population) and colorectal (12.7 per 100,000 population). These are also the same trends in the U.S.

Among females, breast cancer had the highest incidence (134.5 per 100,000) and among males, prostate cancer had the highest incidence (125.0 per 100,000). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among males and females, with males (45.6 per 100,000) having a higher rate compared to females (32.8 per 100,000).

Non-Hispanic Black Delawareans are disproportionately more affected by breast, prostate and colorectal cancers compared to non-Hispanic White and Hispanic Delawareans:

• Non-Hispanic Black women (15.5 per 100,000 population) in Delaware have a higher mortality rate for breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic White women (11.2 per 100,000 population) in Delaware.
• Non-Hispanic Black men (12.6 per 100,000 population) in Delaware have a higher mortality rate for prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic White men (6.7 per 100,000) in Delaware.
• Non-Hispanic Black Delawareans (14.9 per 100,000) have a higher mortality rate for colorectal cancer compared to non-Hispanic White (12.8 per 100,000 population) and Hispanic Delawareans (8.1 per 100,000 population).
• Non-Hispanic White Delawareans (40.5 per 100,000) have a higher mortality rate for lung cancer compared to non-Hispanic Black (37.1 per 100,000 population) and Hispanic Delawareans (18.1 per 100,000 population).

DPH is committed to reducing disparities in cancer incidence and mortality by addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to them, said Interim DPH Director Steve Blessing. “We support eliminating transportation barriers to medical appointments, ensuring that education and training materials are socially and culturally appropriate, providing free preventative and treatment care, and identifying the most disadvantaged areas within the state for targeted outreach.”

RESOURCES

• In addition to cancer data, the Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2016-2020 report also include information about screening and historical data trends. The Census Tract-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2016-2020 compendium report presents analyses of all-site cancer incidence rates by census tract. The Cancer Incidence and Mortality Data Tables for Delaware, 2016-2020 includes site-specific tables for all cancer sites combined (all-site cancer), as well as the 23 top site-specific cancer types for both incidence and mortality. The tables include age-adjusted rates for cancer type by both gender and race along with comparative statistics to the U.S.
• To learn how to prevent, detect, and treat chronic diseases and obtain assistance with a cancer screening, visit the Healthy Delaware website at HealthyDelaware.org or call the Delaware Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1040. For more information about the DCC, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/Consortium.
• The Screening for Life (SFL) program provides payment for cancer screening tests to qualified Delaware adults. Eligible individuals can receive mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and screening tests for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer when recommended by a doctor. Contact SFL at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/dpc/sfl.html or call 302-744-1040 to speak with a case manager or enrollment specialist.
• Delaware residents 18 and older who want help to quit smoking and vaping should contact the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858 or QuitSupport.com. Teens ages 13 to 17 can learn more about vaping and get help with quitting through podcasts, videos, and live chats with a coach; to get started, text VAPEFREE to 873373.
• The Delaware Health Statistics Center (DHSC) provides cancer mortality data in the Delaware Vital Statistics Annual Report. For more Delaware mortality data, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/hp/annrepvs.html.
• For population health, environmental and social determinants of health data at the smallest geographical area available, visit the My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (Oct. 2, 2023)– Amidst a shortage of prescription stimulants, concerns have been raised about the potential increase in illicit drug use. With many individuals relying on prescription stimulants to manage conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the shortage has left many struggling to access the medication they need. This has led some individuals to turn to illicit drugs as an alternative, which can have serious health consequences.

The shortage of prescription stimulants has been attributed to a variety of factors, including supply chain disruptions in the fall of 2022 and increased prescribing and dispensing. Due to the shortage, it is essential that stimulants be prescribed responsibly. Prescribers should assess the risk of misuse, abuse and addiction prior to prescribing stimulant medication. To prescribe stimulant medications, providers must follow Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to confirm ADHD diagnosis. Prescribers must cross-reference prescription information with information available in state-run prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), as well as limit the number of pills and frequency of pills prescribed. Patients and their family members should be educated on how to safely store and dispose of prescription stimulants and the potential risks of misuse, addiction and overdose.

It is important for providers to be aware that there is a greater risk of diversion when prescription stimulants are scarce. Approximately 56-80% of the population reported that stimulants were obtained from friends or family members. The most vulnerable population for nonmedical use of prescription stimulants was the 18-25 age group, and reported misuse of stimulants was for improving academic or work performance, followed by recreational or social use.

These drugs are easily accessible through the internet and social media, posing as prescription drugs such as Adderall and Xanax. Those websites are targeted at youth at risk of diversion, misuse and shortages. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control in December 2022, overdose deaths among youth aged 14-19 increased significantly from 2019 to 2021. Over 25% of the deaths were caused by counterfeit pills, which mimicked prescription medications but contained deadly fentanyl.

Illicit drugs can have a range of negative effects on both physical and mental health and can lead to addiction and overdose. Over 50.6 million fake pills were seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2022. There was a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl in six out of 10 pills containing the drug. In Delaware, 85% of the 537 overdose deaths involved fentanyl. The number of overdose deaths caused by illicit stimulants is also on the rise. Last year, 44% of overdose deaths contained cocaine and 12% methamphetamine.

It is important to screen patients for stimulant use disorders. To find more information on screening and assessment go to HelpIsHereDE.com//health-care-providers.

It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and safety by seeking out alternative treatments or working with their healthcare provider to find a solution. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE. To search for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (Sept. 27, 2023)– The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was in Delaware on August 31, 2023, to review the innovative substance use disorder prevention work that the Department of Health and Human Services is conducting in Sussex County, Delaware.

The Division of Forensic Science reported that 537 people died of a drug overdose in Delaware in 2022. This is a 4% increase from 2021. However, Sussex County had the highest percent increase of drug overdoses during this time at 23%. All communities particularly rural communities within Sussex County have unique barriers that make it even more challenging for those who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). In Sussex County, there is a lack of both treatment facilities and providers for individuals with SUD, fewer prevention programs available, significant limitations for reliable and timely transportation to appointments and follow-ups, language barriers, and stigma around those with SUD.

In response to the increasing overdoses in Sussex County and gaps in services, the Division of Public Health (DPH) created Delaware’s Rural Health Subcommittee of the Overdose System of Care utilizing a HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Planning Grant. In 2021, the DPH was awarded a follow-up three-year $1,000,000 funding opportunity from HRSA to implement the plans created by the subcommittee to address the specific challenges that Sussex County has faced with substance use disorder prevention and treatment. Additionally, in 2022, HRSA awarded the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) the RCORP Behavioral Health Support Grant which is a four-year $2,000,000 funding opportunity to strengthen mental health and substance use disorder engagement in communities in Sussex County.

Since these awards have been issued, progress has been made towards reducing SUD stigma, removing transportation and language barriers, increasing substance use disorder services such as buprenorphine inductions and sustained treatment, and working with law enforcement on diversion programs for those arrested for drug use. The department’s relationships with the Delaware Libraries have promoted service availability and increased utilization of health services. HRSA’s visit demonstrates the success of these programs and the continued plans to invest in behavioral health services in rural communities.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 833-9-HOPEDE. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.”¯

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (Sept. 18, 2023) – Broken bones, head injuries and temporary or permanent disabilities can result from falls. The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team encourages Delawareans to prevent such mishaps.

Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed September 18-22, 2023 as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in accordance with the nationally recognized observance.

“It’s important that we look out for our neighbors and create communities that are safe for Delawareans of all ages,” said Governor Carney. “We can take steps to reduce the risk of falling in public spaces by repairing sidewalks, installing curb cuts and ramp access, and removing hazards from walkways. I want to thank DHSS and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention for their efforts to keep our seniors safe.”

Falls occur among persons of all ages, though young children and seniors are most at risk for fall-related traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Traumatic brain injuries lead to major life changes for individuals and their families. In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries for older adults and young children and cause over 95% of hip fractures in the United States.

In Delaware in 2022, there were 2,954 falls among individuals aged 65 and older, and 568 of them resulted in a head injury, according to the Division of Public Health.

“A fall can change the course of someone’s life, impacting mobility, functionality and independence,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, PhD, RN.

“But no matter your age, there are steps you can take to stay safe and healthy. As a nurse, I know that balance classes are a great resource to increase coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. Thank you to Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team for shedding light on this important topic and sharing the steps we all can take– businesses, organizations, churches and schools– to make our communities and ourselves safe.”

A Matter of Balance classes are held in communities throughout the state. Call Volunteer Delaware 50+ at 302-515-3020 or Bayhealth at 302-744-7135 for a schedule. ChristianaCare offers BingoCize, an evidence-based fall prevention program integrating Bingo and exercise, and the ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls program, which addresses home modifications, medications, balance, healthy eating and other strategies to prevent falls. These classes are available in person and virtually at no cost. To schedule these programs and obtain more information, contact injuryprevention@christianacare.org

On September 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Falls Prevention Team will join the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Department at the Mid-County Center Health Fair. They will conduct fall prevention screenings and wheelchair, cane, and rolling walker checks, and share falls prevention awareness resources. The center is located at First Regiment Rd., Sherwood Park II, Wilmington Delaware, 19808. For more information about the health fair, visit https://midcountyseniorcenter.org/ or write to info@midcountyseniorcenter.org.

Adults of all ages should visit their health care provider annually to review medications and physical activity levels, and to get a falls risk assessment. Adults, especially seniors and those using wheelchairs and walkers, should have annual vision and hearing exams to reduce their risk of falling. If canes and walkers are currently used, the provider can ensure their proper fit.

Adopting healthy behaviors is especially important. Eating nutritious foods and beverages, staying hydrated, exercising regularly and getting appropriate sleep all contribute to maintaining a healthy body and reducing falls risk. In addition, wear shoes in good condition with proper fit, tread and support to aid in ambulation. Individuals at risk of falls should wear shoes that fit around their feet with no open backs to avoid falling out of them.

At home, keep homes, yards, and public areas clutter-free to reduce tripping hazards. Install grab bars in key areas such as stairs and bathrooms. Use motion-activated night lights and keep walkways and parking areas well lit. Do not let pets get underfoot; teach them basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”

Businesses, organizations, churches and schools can reduce falls with these steps:

• Maintain walkways to ensure a smooth surface without crumbling or splintered surfaces. Remove snow, ice, rain, wet moss, leaves, oil, and other slippery conditions.

• Have walkways include curb cuts, ramps, and slopes that meet state and local safety codes and the guidelines provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Curb cuts, tactile surface pavers, slopes, contrasting colors, and other universal design elements benefit everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who use walkers and wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, and those who cannot see well or easily lift their feet onto the curb.

  • Provide designated parking for people with mobility challenges.

• Install handrails, ramps, and automatic doors and keep them free of hazards.
• Use entrance mats with flat and secured edges that do not curl up. Absorbent floor mats catch rain and snow at entrances and spilled drinks at food establishments.

To learn more about falls and falls prevention, refer to the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) program at https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html and the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/page/falls-prevention-awareness-week-toolkit.

For falls data, visit the Delaware Trauma System Registry at https://www.ncoa.org/page/falls-prevention-awareness-week-toolkit.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 15, 2023)– This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the recommendation that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. The recommendation follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants. Per the CDC, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death and reduces the chance of suffering from Long COVID. Anyone who has yet to receive any type of COVID-19 vaccination and those whose last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine was over two months ago may receive the updated doses when they become available in the coming days.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available at pharmacies, health care providers, state public health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other facilities. Vaccination will be available free for everyone through one of three methods. Those covered under most private or government insurance plans can receive the vaccine at various pharmacies or providers throughout the state with the cost fully covered by insurance. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, vaccinations will be available at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), public health clinics, local pharmacies, and certain providers via the State of Delaware’s Immunization Program and at Walgreens, CVS and pharmacies affiliated with the ETrueNorth pharmacy network through the federal government’s Bridge Access Program. Additionally, children who currently participate in the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program will also be able to receive free COVID-19 updated vaccines where they receive their routine vaccinations. A full listing of vaccine locations will be posted on www.vaccines.gov as they become available.

The FDA has outlined the following brief guidelines for the updated COVID-19 vaccines to simplify the questions regarding whom should receive the vaccine and when:

• Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

As we approach the fall and winter seasons, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds everyone to take the appropriate measures to protect themselves and those around them from all respiratory illnesses including RSV and flu. To learn more about all available vaccines for your age group and health conditions and the appropriate timing and recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider or visit a public health clinic.

The four general guidelines for staying safe this fall and winter include:

1. Get vaccinated when eligible for any and all illnesses where available and recommended by a provider.
2. Stay home if sick with any illness. Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
3. Inquire about treatment for COVID-19 or other illnesses if you are sick.
4. Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, as cases rise, or if you or a family member are at higher risk for serious illness.

To learn more, visit de.gov/coronavirus and de.gov/covidvaccine.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (Sept. 12, 2023)– The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) has identified this year’s first human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in three men 50 years of age and older, all of whom reside in New Castle County. All three individuals who contracted WNV were hospitalized due to infection from the mosquito-borne illness. At this time, it appears that each WNV victim is likely to have contracted the disease locally, but a public health investigation is ongoing, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today.

In response to the human WNV cases discovered this month, the DPH and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will increase mosquito population surveillance efforts in the vicinity of the infected individuals’ residences. Dependent on further findings, DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section in partnership with DPH may also conduct local control operations to try and prevent further WNV human transmissions. The agencies also note that the occurrence of the state’s three human cases coincides with an increase in WNV activity in the Mosquito Control Section’s sentinel chicken monitoring program, with the uptick in infected chickens typical for this time of year.

WNV is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health problems. WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, generally in summer and fall, with a peak period for disease transmissions from mid-August to mid-October. Nearly 80 percent or four in five people infected with WNV will not become ill. While only a little less than 20 percent of those infected with the virus will develop West Nile fever with mild symptoms (fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands), one in 150 people infected will develop severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis).

Symptoms of severe WNV infection include headache, high fever, stiff neck, and/or tremors and muscle weakness. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Anyone who experiences any of these severe symptoms should seek medical help immediately. Symptoms may progress to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death.

The mosquitoes that cause WNV bite primarily from dusk (evening) to dawn (morning). However, other mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever and Zika can bite during the day. Applying insect repellent for personal protection is important whenever going outdoors. Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants is also recommended as a deterrent against mosquito bites. DPH and the DNREC Mosquito Control Section also advise reducing outdoor activities that can cause heavy breathing or excessive perspiration, not wearing perfumes or colognes, and using mosquito repellents that may contain the ingredients DEET or Picaridin in accordance with product label instructions. Additionally, Delaware residents and landowners should eliminate an unneeded standing water on their property that might exist for four or more consecutive days and that acts as mosquito breeding habitat.

To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 888-295-5156.

For information on mosquito control operations in Delaware, including contact information to request residential control service for biting mosquitoes, visit https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/mosquito-control/.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/DPH/epi/wnv.html.

For more information on what you can do to prevent West Nile Virus, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website, www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.