The Reader: Prioritise those with learning disabilities

Andrew Milligan/PA
9 December 2020
WEST END FINAL

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Public Health England said the Covid-19 death rate for people with learning disabilities is over four times higher than for others. We believe this is mostly due to healthcare inequalities. This is unacceptable.

Today we have written to the Government, urging them to prioritise vaccination for people with learning disabilities. We’re encouraging the public to join us by writing to MPs. We believe the infrastructure provided by the learning disability register in primary and social care would enable an effective, accelerated roll-out of vaccines.  It’s also imperative to provide accessible information about the vaccine to support people who may struggle to tolerate vaccination.  

Prioritisation for vaccines could fast-track more safe contact with loved ones and a relaxation of restrictions for people who have experienced greater limitations than most through the pandemic.

Steve Scown, Chief executive of Dimensions

Editor’s reply

Dear Steve

Under the updated guidelines published last week, people aged 16 to 64 with a “severe and profound learning disability” are sixth on the priority list.

As you correctly say, people with learning disabilities are at four times the average risk of death from Covid-19 — and this may be an underestimate. They may struggle to keep themselves safe or even spot the symptoms, and strike me as a deserving case for higher priority.

Ross Lydall, Health Editor

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Richard Kimble

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