COVID-19 Vaccine – Update from Inclusion BC

The province of B.C. has already started to roll out its vaccination strategy and there are so many questions right now about who is getting vaccinated and when the time will come for individuals across our community. Inclusion BC noted that they have been receiving questions about the process and how the needs of people with intellectual disabilities are being addressed.

The BCCDC website outlines who will be receiving the first vaccines. People living in group homes (this includes people with intellectual disabilities) are among the first two groups to receive a vaccine, in February and March. We do not know at this time what that roll-out will look like and when it will begin but will send updates as we receive them.

Studies around the world have shown that people with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk for COVID-19 due to a variety of factors. The vaccine strategy in B.C. and Canada should address the unique needs of people with intellectual disabilities who are at higher risk, including:

  • Older adults with intellectual disabilities,
  • People with intellectual disabilities who have have underlying health conditions,
  • People living in congregate settings such as group homes, and
  • Staff supporting people who are at higher risk.

For more information and useful information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please keep an eye on the Inclusion BC website as well as the BCCDC website. Both are useful resources during this time and are being updated regularly as new information emerges. If you are looking for easy-to-read information on the COVID-19 vaccine, you can access this by clicking here.