Vaccine priority list updated for people with learning disabilities

24 February 2021, 12:31

Vaccine priority list updated for people with learning disabilities
Vaccine priority list updated for people with learning disabilities. Picture: Getty
Alice Dear

By Alice Dear

All people with learning disabilities will now be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the Government and NHS that all people on the learning disability register should now be prioritised in the vaccine rollout.

According to deputy chairman of JCVI, Professor Anthony, this means an extra 150,000 people will now be eligible.

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This means an extra 150,000 people will now be eligible for the jab
This means an extra 150,000 people will now be eligible for the jab. Picture: Getty

At the moment, people with severe learning disabilities are included in priority group six.

However, opening up the vaccine to anyone on the learning disability register will help protect more people.

This comes after their analysis found that they were at higher risk of death and serious illness.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the Government and NHS that all people on the learning disability register should now be prioritised in the vaccine rollout
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the Government and NHS that all people on the learning disability register should now be prioritised in the vaccine rollout. Picture: Getty

Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said on the matter: "I have heard first-hand how tough this pandemic has been for people with learning disabilities and their families.

"We are determined those more at risk from Covid should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Following the JCVI’s updated advice and to make this process simpler and faster, we will be inviting everyone for vaccination who is on their GP’s learning disability register.

"This will mean those who are at a higher risk from the virus can get the protection they need.”

Helen Whately said the NHS will be inviting everyone for vaccination who is on their GP’s learning disability register
Helen Whately said the NHS will be inviting everyone for vaccination who is on their GP’s learning disability register. Picture: ITV

Covid-19 chairman for the JCVI, Professor Wei Shen Lim, added: "The JCVI's advice on Covid-19 vaccine prioritisation was developed with the aim of preventing as many deaths as possible.

"People who are severely affected by learning disabilities are at higher risk of death from Covid-19.

"As the severity of any disability may not be well recorded in GP systems, JCVI supports the NHS operational plan for anyone on the GP Learning Disability Register to be invited now for vaccination as part of priority group six, and to reach out in the community to identify others also severely affected by a learning disability but who may not yet be registered."

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