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.
If you have questions, call the Division of Public Health Information Line at 1-866-408-1899.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211.
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
Get More COVID Data
For more data on Delaware COVID cases, testing and outcomes, 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