Vulnerable Populations
Who Is Most At Risk?
Individuals older than 65 and those with an underlying health condition qualify as vulnerable and face greater risks for COVID-19. Vaccines are especially important for this population to reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization or death. Underlying health conditions include:
- Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- Serious heart condition or liver disease
- Those who are immunocompromised
- Obesity or severe obesity (body mass index of 40 or higher)
- Diabetes
Individuals who regularly come into close contact with these vulnerable populations should also be vaccinated or take increased precautions.
Resources for Older Adults and Vulnerable Populations
- Vaccine Information and Availability, Including for People with Disabilities
- Hospital Guidance: Support Person for Individuals with Disabilities (May 8)
- Guidance for Older Adults & People with Underlying Medical Conditions
- Guidance for Older Adults & People with Underlying Medical Conditions (Spanish)
- What To Do If You Are At Higher Risk
- What To Do If You Are At Higher Risk (Haitian Creole)
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Checklist: Older Persons
- CDC Guidance for Seniors and Those with Serious Chronic Health Conditions
- AARP Coronavirus Website
- Alzheimer’s Association COVID-19 Website
Provider and Long-Term Care Facility Resources
- Updated Reopening Plan in Long-Term Care Facilities (May 4, 2021)
- Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions and Disposition of Patients with COVID-19 to Long-Term Care or Assisted Living Facilities (Updated August 5, 2020)
- Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities (Interim Guidance)
- Disinfecting Your Facility if Someone is Sick
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living
- Flyer for Visitors to Long Term Care Facilities
- DHSS Infection Control and Prevention of COVID19 in Facilities Serving Older Adults (March 30, 2020)
- LTC Facilities SHOC Status Update Form
Stats on COVID-19
For more data on Delaware COVID-19 cases including demographic breakdowns, go to My Healthy Community
Related Topics: coronavirus, coronavirus and long term care, COVID-19, Delaware coronavirus risk, Older people, Vulnerable population