Delco Offers Tip For Healthy, Safe Holidays Amidst COVID Pandemic

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — As residents of Delaware County plan to gather with friends and family for the holidays, county officials are reminding residents of steps they can take to help stay safe and healthy while celebrating.

The county is still experiencing impacts of the coronavirus, and the Delaware County Council and the Delaware County COVID-19 Task Force are urging residents to protect themselves and each other as they travel, gather and celebrate during the holiday season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health are tracking worrisome trends related to coronavirus positivity rates and hospitalizations. The county saw a rise in cases after the Thanksgiving holiday and expects to see a concerning rise in cases due to colder weather and the possible impact of emerging variants.

"With these trends in mind, we remind residents that vaccines remain the best defense," officials said. "COVID-19 vaccines are effective in protecting people from getting sick and significantly lower the severity of illness, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among those who have a breakthrough infection."

According to the most recent data from federal and state health officials, unvaccinated people are six times more likely to suffer from severe illness, nine times more likely to require hospitalization, and 14 times more likely to pass away from COVID-19 complications versus vaccinated people. Additionally, hundreds of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered safely with few adverse reactions reported, according to the county.

Below is information provided by the county on ways residents can help themselves stay healthy and safe during the holidays.

Boosters

Immunity from COVID-19 has been shown to fade over time and the CDC is recommending that all eligible individuals get a booster vaccine to maintain optimal immunity during the holiday season and throughout the winter season. This includes all individuals who received a second dose of Moderna/Pfizer more than six months ago and all individuals who received a single-dose Johnson & Johnson more than two months ago. Booster shots are available at all Delaware County vaccination sites.

Children Ages 5 to 11 and Adolescents

All Delaware County residents 5 to 11 years old are now eligible to receive a pediatric dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The County of Delaware has held several vaccination clinics specifically for children ages 5 to 11 and is now offering pediatric doses of Pfizer at all County-operated/sponsored vaccination clinics going forward.

Immunocompromised and Homebound Individuals

Immunocompromised individuals who received their second dose of Moderna/Pfizer or their single-dose of Johnson & Johnson more than 28 days ago are eligible for a third dose and are advised to contact their physician or health care provider for guidance.

Homebound individuals who cannot safely leave their home to receive a vaccine are also eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the County’s Homebound Program.

First, second, and third doses, as well as pediatric doses, boosters and the flu vaccine are available through the Homebound Program.

Where to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

Delaware County is currently running two COVID-19 vaccination clinics each week at Yeadon and Chester.

Residents can schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster shots, through the Delaware County COVID-19 website here, or by contacting the Delaware County Wellness Line by phone at 484-276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Walk-ins are welcome; however, since both booster and pediatric doses are in high demand, appointments are recommended.

Residents who elect to walk in are asked to come to the site no earlier than one hour after the site’s listed start time to help ensure minimal wait times.

Appointments at non-County COVID-19 vaccination clinics are also available.

Residents can also check the federal vaccine website here for locations and appointments.

Testing

Delaware County offers PCR testing at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon, 125 Chester Ave., on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Keystone First Wellness Center in Chester, 1929 W. 9th St, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Appointments are not required. Residents can call the Wellness Line at 484-276-2100 for details, the current timeframe for results, and information about rapid testing.

Staying Safe for Those Not Vaccinated or Around Unvaccinated People

Residents who aren’t fully vaccinated or plan to be around people who aren’t vaccinated during the holiday season are advised to exercise caution when meeting with friends and family, or gathering in public places such as malls, restaurants, entertainment venues, bus and train stations, and highway rest stops.

Masks, handwashing, and social distancing remain powerful tools in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.