The following link is to the petition to prioritise vaccination of people with disabilities on Change.org. Please help our users by signing and submitting the petition!
https://www.change.org/DIDQUEBECIDD
The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for those living with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and their families. Namely, the loss of bearings, activities, and family respite caused by sanitary restrictions has contributed to the exacerbation of social isolation and the deterioration of mental health for this vulnerable population in Quebec.
People living with IDD are at increased risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19 due to a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
An analysis conducted by Public Health England found that the mortality rate from COVID-19 for people living with IDD is 2.3 to 3.6 times higher than in the general population. Since February 25, 2021, the United Kingdom has prioritized vaccination against COVID-19 for people living with IDD.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization of the Public Health Agency of Canada has identified “disability” as a contributing factor to health inequalities and suggests that people with disabilities be considered as a “key [group] for immunization”.
Yet, according to the Government of Quebec’s current vaccination plan, people living with IDD would only be part of the eighth group (out of ten) to be prioritized for vaccination.
Given the increased social, psychological, and physical consequences of the pandemic and of COVID-19 on people living with IDD, we ask that this group be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with their status as a vulnerable group.