Vaccine Accessibility for Children with I/DD

By Alyssa Hoadley, NACDD Fellow 

On September 20th, the Washington Post reported that the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine trial for children ages 5 to 11 was shown to be effective. The vaccine is on track to being approved for the use on children as soon as Halloween. 

As Pfizer-BioNTech moves closer to having their coronavirus vaccine approved for use on children, it is critical to ensure that vaccine distribution takes into account the needs of children with developmental disabilities. Specifically, children with autism who may be more likely to experience Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), making them more sensitive to stimuli like bright lights, noises, and smells as well as needle anxiety. 

The roll out of any vaccine should ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to clinics that provide a quiet and private space with limited sensory distractions. These clinics should also be staffed with personnel who are knowledgeable in the practices of how to best administer vaccines to children with developmental disabilities. Local and state governments should work with families to ensure that these accommodations are available. 

Working to combat vaccination disparities that may be exacerbated due to vaccine hesitation may help close healthcare gaps and establish safer communities for everyone. People who are concerned about accessibility issues should contact their local DD Council or call the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 888-677-1199.