Approximately 61 million adults living with in the U.S. have a disability, representing approximately 26 percent of the adult population. People with disabilities may have an increased risk for contracting COVID-19 for various reasons. In addition, many people with disabilities have underlying health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, and obesity) that increases the risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Despite the authorization and availability of three vaccines to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the scientific data on vaccine safety and efficacy, and the known risks of severe illness and death associated with COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to vaccination utilization.
Starting in October, Support Coordinators will discuss vaccine status during their monthly monitoring phone calls to individuals, families, and providers. Participation in answering the questions is voluntary. The questions are geared to understand the reasons for non-vaccination and provide education, if needed.
