1)In this thread, I will bring attention to the need for the prioritization of #COVID19 vaccination for people living with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in #Quebec. Please consider reading and sharing.
2)People living with IDD are a vulnerable health group. Yet, a lack of surveillance of COVID-19 outcomes in this group in Quebec and Canada has made it incredibly difficult to understand how the pandemic is affecting them and their families.
3)Studies have suggested that COVID-19 may pose a greater risk for people with IDD. This group has a higher prevalence of comorbidities associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo…
4)One analysis conducted in the U.S. showed that people living with developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities were at high risk of COVID-19 mortality. nytimes.com/2020/11/10/hea…
5)It has also been suggested that people living with IDD are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 in part due to social circumstances, living situations, and limitations in understanding of the pandemic and sanitary measures. doi.org/10.1017/ipm.20…
6)For example, certain measures such as frequent hand washing, social distancing, and mask wearing may be difficult to fully understand or adhere to for some people living with IDD. Additionally, living situations vary greatly, from living with family to group homes and RI RTFs.
7)To be sure, those living with IDD in intermediate and family-type resources (RI-RTFs) are already included in the 1st priority group. However, this plan excludes that vast majority of individuals with IDD, who would then (hopefully) be included the 8th priority group. 
8)Over the last several months, people living with IDD and their families as well as experts in the field have expressed their concern over the lack of guidelines for supporting this vulnerable group and, importantly, for prioritizing them for COVID-19 vaccination.
9)Here are some stories and articles that will help illustrate how the needs of people living with IDD and their families are not being met during this pandemic.
10)My twin brother lives with IDD. Our family wrote to Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services, on Jan. 18, 2021 asking for people with IDD to be prioritized for vaccination against COVID-19 in Quebec.
11)The ministry responded stating that there is no evidence that this group is at greater risk for COVID-19, simply referring us to the current prioritization policy.
12)In January, a 52 y.o. man living with autism was hospitalized for COVID-19 in the ICU of Notre-Dame Hospital in Montreal. Left unsupervised, he tragically died after removing the respiratory equipment he was attached to. ledevoir.com/societe/sante/…
13)Many Quebecers have reported that the pandemic has been particularly challenging for those living with IDD and their families, citing social isolation, loss of activities, and loss of family respite as causes for deteriorating mental health. ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/17115…
14)In their article, Dr. Annette Majnemer, Senior Scientist at the RI-MUHC, and Dr. Patrick McGrath, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie U., argue for prioritizing vaccination of people with IDD in Canada. theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…
15)Rissa Michely, whose 40 y.o. son lives with #DownSyndrome, is amongst those who has pleaded with the Gov. of Quebec to prioritize vaccination for this group who is at GREAT risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. montrealgazette.com/news/local-new…
16)Once again, the ministry referred them to the current vaccination policy. You can sign their online petition here: change.org/p/national-ass…
17)Given recent evidence for increased risk, France, the U.K., and even Texas have prioritized vaccinating people with Down Syndrome. Here in Quebec, it is unclear whether they have even considered prioritizing people with IDD for vaccination.
18)In the words of Hotez et al. (doi.org/10.1016/j.ecli…):
19)“The exclusion of most IDD diagnoses from [vaccination] guidelines represents yet another barrier to health and well-being for this population that[…]has historically grappled with fragmented access to primary and preventive care,social and medical stigma,and marginalization”
20)Our goal is to ensure that people with IDD are prioritized for vaccination in accordance with their status as a vulnerable group in this pandemic. We need to protect people living with IDD. End of thread.
@cdube_sante @francoislegault @GGuilbaultCAQ @CarmantLionel @DomAnglade @Santepub_Mtl @CanadianPM @JustinTrudeau @CPHO_Canada
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