Priority vaccination for mental illness, developmental or intellectual disability

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Coronavirus vaccines are being allocated, with initial prioritization for healthcare workers and elderly individuals in congregate settings.
• Subsequent phases include other high-risk groups, but clarity is needed on broader prioritization strategies.
• Individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) and developmental or intellectual disabilities (DID) represent a vulnerable population often overlooked in public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for prioritizing individuals with SMI and DID for COVID-19 vaccination.
• To examine the vulnerability of this population to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• To assess the specificity of current federal and state vaccination plans for this diverse group.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on COVID-19 vulnerability in individuals with SMI and DID.
• Analysis of federal and state-level vaccination allocation plans.
• Examination of language used to describe prioritization for diverse populations.

Main Results:

• Recent research indicates a high susceptibility to severe COVID-19 among individuals with SMI and DID.
• Current vaccination plans often lack specific language regarding the prioritization of individuals with SMI and DID.
• The diversity within this population (age, diagnosis, functional status, living arrangements) necessitates tailored approaches.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with SMI and DID should be considered a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination due to their heightened vulnerability.
• Ambiguity in vaccination policies can lead to confusion and neglect of specific subgroups.
• Clearer, more specific language in public health policies is essential for equitable vaccine allocation and care for all vulnerable populations.