State opens second-dose slots for residents who got 1st shot anywhere before Jan. 23

The FEMA mass vaccination event opened Sunday at Dover speedway.

The FEMA mass vaccine event at Dover is opening appointments Thursday and Friday for second doses for people who got the first dose from any provider on or before Jan. 22.

But the opportunity comes with a warning: Scheduled appointments will be canceled if the recipient can be identified in state vaccination records as not receiving their first dose in that time frame.

The other sources could be a pharmacy, medical provider, clinic or more.

These vaccinations are for individuals who live, work or obtain their health care in Delaware, and received their first dose in Delaware.

The scheduling system for those second-dose appointments will open Tuesday at 11 a.m. at de.gov/fema. Those without Internet access may call DPH at 1-833-643-1715 but should not call until after 11 a.m. Tuesday because no appointments will be available until then. Wait time may be lengthy based on call volume and online registration is urged.

Individuals will have an option to create an appointment for someone else after they create their own. However, the appointments are expected to fill quickly and people may not be able to make family appointments for the same time frame.

A single email may be tied to multiple appointments. Everyone who arrives to be vaccinated must have an appointment.

Visitors can access the vaccination site via Dover International Speedway’s Leipsic Road entrance. To reduce waiting, those with appointments will be urged not to show up early.

Just in case, those arriving at the site need to ensure:

• • You enter the Speedway grounds via 1000 Leipsic Road, not the main entrance from Route 13.
  • Your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
  • You have personal identification (a driver’s licenses or photo ID).
  • Proof of first COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination card).
  • Confirmation of your appointment.
  • Snacks to enjoy while waiting in line.

DPH also announced Monday that about 2,000 individuals vaccinated by the Division of Public Health at the Chase Center in Wilmington Jan. 30 are being contacted this week to schedule their second dose back at the Chase Center on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine rollout is available at de.gov/covidvaccine.

Betsy Price

Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.