Minnesotans With Down Syndrome Question Vaccine Priority Ranking

Minnesotans with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome, are facing challenges in securing COVID-19 vaccinations and are advocating for higher priority in vaccination schedules.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community expressed concerns due to compromised immune systems and preexisting conditions, raising red flags about their vulnerability to the virus.

Despite group home and nursing home residents being high-priority populations, those in the community are not receiving the same attention. Groups like the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMN) advocacy efforts include a Change.org petition urging elected officials to address their vaccination concerns.

Concerns also extend to the ability of people with disabilities to adhere to safety measures like wearing masks and social distancing. The lack of reliable tracking of COVID-19 deaths among those with intellectual and developmental disabilities adds to the complexity of the issue. DSAMN is calling for the reclassification of adults with Down syndrome to the top of the Phase 1B group in the vaccine rollout to address the heightened risks they face.