In February, individuals with Down syndrome and their
caregivers were just days away from their spot in line to receive the COVID-19
vaccine when out of nowhere, state officials removed them from published Phase
1B vaccine prioritization category. Since then, DSAF staff, board of directors,
and partners throughout the state and beyond have come together to advocate for
individuals with Down syndrome to get their spot back in line.
DSAF is proud to share that thanks to everyone’s hard work,
people with Down syndrome, and all individuals with intellectual disabilities
AND their caregivers were provided with early opportunities beginning in April
to access vaccine clinics in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Norfolk.
A special THANK YOU goes out to all the people who helped
contact the media, signed letters of support, shared the story in the news, got
petitions signed, acted as collaborators, and ultimately, those who set up the vaccine
clinics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD):
ARC of Nebraska
Disability Rights Nebraska
Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
Felicia Quintana-Zinn, Deputy Director of Public
Health
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Mayor of Lincoln
Munroe Meyer Institute
National Down Syndrome Congress
Nebraska Consortium for Citizens with
Disabilities
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Volunteers, friends, and community advocates –
like YOU!
If you are a Nebraska resident who hasn’t been vaccinated
yet and would like to register for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Vaccinate.NE.gov.
In December 2020, the CDC officially categorized people with Down syndrome as “high risk” for COVID-19, meaning that they have a higher likelihood of having more severe symptoms and sadly death. A few studies on COVID-19 underscore the risk to be especially acute in people with Down syndrome who are forty years old or older.
Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska is proud to share the valuable, free COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource in English and Spanish published by GLOBAL and the national consortium. The Resource focuses on new and updated information specific to testing, vaccines, mental health, ways to stay safe, and advocacy in hospital settings and for appropriate care.
We strongly recommend you read through this important resource.
We applaud the national consortium of Down syndrome organizations for creating this important resource for community. Please remember we are here for you during this difficult time and do not hesitate to call or email. In the meantime, please stay healthy and be safe!
