NADSP Statement on Vaccine Hesitancy and FAQ
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, direct support professionals (DSPs) from across the country have played a critical role in helping people with disabilities remain healthy, safe and informed about the virus. To assist DSPs in their work, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has provided a variety of toolkits, resources and webinars with healthcare experts to share timely, trusted and well-researched information. In this vein, we remain committed to inform the direct support workforce and the disability community about the safety and efficacy of available vaccines.
DSPs who support people in their communities are often called upon to make independent judgments on a frequent basis that involve both practical and ethical reasoning. We understand there is continued hesitation among some DSPs about taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and we hope the recent full FDA approval of one of the main vaccines on the market helps calm these fears.
As NADSP’s Code of Ethics outlines, a DSP must commit to promoting the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of the people they support. DSPs must encourage personal growth and recognize the autonomy of individuals with disabilities receiving support while also being proactive and vigilant in protecting public health. To maintain the promise of partnership and respect that must exist in a supportive relationship, a strong ethical foundation is critical to help DSPs navigate through the maze of influences that bombard them around COVID-19 and available vaccines.
We understand that being vaccinated is a major health-related decision and requires research, information and examination. Furthermore, DSPs are entrusted to support people with disabilities in making their own informed decisions based on the associated risks and responsibilities that are tied to those decisions.
The following ideals and practices of informed decision-making will be useful to all who remain hesitant to vaccination.
Make every effort to understand the health issues and current situation regarding COVID-19 and the available vaccines.
Gather all the pertinent information about COVID-19 and available vaccines from credible sources to help with your decision. Always consult with your healthcare professional if you need more information.
Explore the options and consider the outcomes of getting or not getting a vaccine.
Act and make a decision based on factual information and science.
Monitor and evaluate your decision.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted essentially every country across the globe, and all nations continue to fight the spread of this virus. Scientific evidence has clearly shown that the various COVID-19 vaccines, coupled with ongoing masking, handwashing, and social distancing practices offer significant protection from the virus and represents an opportunity to finally alter the course of this pandemic. The United States is fortunate to be a nation with widespread access to these important vaccines.
NADSP has compiled a list of common questions and answers to assist DSPs in continuing to make informed decisions about their own health practices pertaining to COVID-19 prevention and in supporting people with disabilities during this time of uncertainty. This resource will be updated as frequently as is needed to get timely, accurate information into the hands of DSPs. You are more than essential workers in this fight – you are the backbone of the disability service sector and the catalysts for helping individuals with disabilities live fully inclusive lives in their communities.
To view and download the full statement and DSP COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs, click here.
