People with learning disabilities to be prioritised for vaccine
We were delighted at Public Health England’s announcement this morning that everyone on the GP Learning Disability Register will now be prioritised for the coronavirus vaccine. The BBC estimates that this will mean 150,000 people at higher risk with severe disabilities will be offered the jab more quickly.
A report from Public Health England found that people with a learning disability were up to six times more likely to die from COVID-19. This new move to prioritise them in the vaccine rollout will inevitably save lives.
Our CEO Aisling Duffy praised the move:
“This is very welcome news. I am very pleased and relieved that the government has finally listened. People with learning disabilities are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus so it is only right they should be prioritised in the vaccination programme.”
After many months of campaigning online, this is a massive win for care providers, families and individuals fighting for their own right to be protected.
