Vaccinating Children with Disabilities Against COVID-19

Many children with disabilities have underlying medical conditions ─ such as lung, heart, or kidney disease, a weakened immune system, cancer, diabetes, some blood diseases, or conditions of the muscular or central nervous system ─ which put them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Similarly, children with developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, or autism, may be at increased risk of mental health concerns from social isolation and severe illness from COVID-19. They may  also have barriers to accessing needed health care and  other characteristics that increase their risk of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, including

• Limited mobility
• Need for support services
• Challenges practicing preventive measures, such as wearing a mask
• Challenges communicating symptoms of infection

Consider implementing and supporting the following strategies and vaccination accommodations to ensure children with disabilities and special healthcare needs – and their caregivers, family members, and service providers – under your care can receive their COVID-19 vaccinations at the clinic location:

Physical ease of access

• Schedule longer appointment times to ensure children feel comfortable before, during, and after vaccination.
• If possible, allow children to get vaccinated in their parent’s or caregiver’s vehicle.
• Consider having someone at the entrance of the vaccination site dedicated to assisting those who may need help with a wheelchair, walker, or other aid and those requesting other accommodations.
• Allow children and their families to walk around while being observed after vaccination.

Children are allowed by law to have their service animal accompany them at COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Sensory ease of access

• Make sensory modifications where needed, as some children may be sensitive to light, sounds, smells, or physical touch that vaccination requires.
• Limit the time children must wait, and be patient, considering each child’s individual needs.
• If possible, offer a separate, more private space or “quiet room” away from crowds or others.
• See Needle Fears and Phobia – Find Ways to Manage for more information and resources.

Cognitive ease of access

• Have vaccination providers explain all steps of what will be done and how it will be done.
• Ensure this information is available in different formats and languages. A visual storyboard, for example, can help young children understand vaccination.
• Share and use resources such as picture stories to support children during and after vaccination.
• Share additional information with parents and caregivers on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens with Disabilities.

To ensure all children with disabilities in your community have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, you can collaborate with

• Pediatric medical providers and healthcare organizations
• State or local health departments
• Local school districts
• Disability-specific practices and clinics
• Pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapists
• Children’s hospitals
• Community-based organizations serving children with disabilities

Remember, children with disabilities and special healthcare needs benefit most from team-based care. Trusted care providers can work with parents and caregivers to learn and address any specific vaccination concerns.