Delaware vaccinations are expanding into pharmacies. Here’s how to get one

COVID-19 vaccinations have expanded in Delaware to Phase 2. That includes all residents 50 and over, K-12 teachers, residents age 16 to 64 with moderate risk conditions, and caregivers of those with high to moderate risk conditions.

Condition-related groups (including caregivers) are required to get vaccinated through a medical provider. The K-12 teacher and 50+ group, however, will be the first group in Delaware eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy. A 50+ waiting list will also open on March 23 for state vaccination events, including at Dover International Speedway, DMV and curative events. (See the state’s Vaccine Events page.)

Pharmacies will begin administering vaccinations by appointment only starting on March 17. The pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine are Walgreens (statewide), Rite-Aid (statewide) and Camden Pharmacy (Camden), which will administer the two-shot Moderna vaccine. The two-shot Pfizer vaccine will be offered to residents 50+ at Giant Pharmacy, Sam’s Club (no membership required), several Walmart locations and Aspira Health in Lewes. The state’s Pharmacies page has a current list of pharmacies with links for scheduling.

Vaccines for K-12 teachers are available at Walgreens only. Residents 50+ can make an appointment at any of the listed pharmacies. To make an appointment, go through the pharmacy directly via their website or app; Walgreens also has a telephone scheduling option.

Since so many more residents are now eligible for the vaccine, expect openings to be scarce for the first few weeks. On Walgreens’ website and phone-in scheduler, residents are asked a few questions to establish eligibility, then, if you’re given the green “Vaccination recommended” button, you’ll be prompted to schedule an appointment. If your nearest stores have no openings, you can change the location and keep looking, or you can come back. Walgreens updates appointments hourly.

Your best bet if you’re 50+ with no comorbidities may be to wait a week or two for teachers to get vaccinated, and sign up for the waiting list on March 23. Don’t wait too long, though — if everything goes according to plan, all residents age 16 and up will be eligible for the vaccine on May 1.

In the meantime, keep using the COVID Alert DE app — now with more than 106,000 users — which can alert you if you come into close contact with someone who tests positive.