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We are petitioning our elected officials to add individuals with Down syndrome to the COVID-19 vaccine priority list. We are calling on our state to follow these expert recommendations. Please join DSACF in our efforts by contacting your elected officials today. Use #AShotAtTheShot to help make your voice heard!
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO TAKE ACTION to find a list of your local elected officials, contact information, a script for phone calls, and a templated email.
Emerging research suggests a ten-fold increase in the risk of death due to COVID-19 to those with Down syndrome when compared to the general population; a 40-year old faces a comparable mortality rate to an 80-year-old in the general population. 1
Individuals with Ds typically experience mild to moderate intellectual disability, and many have a range of co-occurring medical conditions. While it is known that the resulting medical complexity puts them at greater risk of severe outcomes during the current pandemic2, Evidence is now mounting that suggests that Down syndrome itself may cause greater susceptibility and poor outcomes due to increased enzyme activity resulting from three copies of the gene TMPRSS2 on the 21st chromosome, and immune system abnormalities.3
The U.K. study referenced above, published in October, showed a five-fold increase in hospitalizations – in addition to a ten-fold increase in death – among individuals with Down syndrome. This substantially increased risk fell heavily on individuals aged 40 and older, with a mortality rate comparable to those 80 and older in the general population. These findings were consistent with the results of a survey conducted by the T21 Research Society, an international non-profit scientific organization of researchers studying Down syndrome, which also suggested that people with DS exhibit poor outcomes at a greater rate after age 40 when compared to the general population of similar age.4
On December 2nd, the U.K.’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended prioritizing people with DS for vaccination, and on December 23, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included Down syndrome in its list of conditions that increase risk for severe COVID-19. These individuals are arguably at an ever-greater risk of exposure, as they must rely heavily on support from family, friends, and the community, and are often unable to consistently and effectively take mitigation steps or self-quarantine.
We urge you to use your voice and put the pressure on our elected officials to follow the guidance of the CDC and take into account the increased risk of severe illness and death faced by Florida’s Down syndrome population as it creates a vaccine allocation plan.
While the DSACF does not support nor disapprove of the vaccine, we want to allow each family the choice and therefore we are sending out an interest link for those families seeking information on obtaining a vaccination.
1. Hippisley-Cox, Julia, MD, Kiernan Clift, Ashley, et al. “COVID-19 Mortality Risk in Down Syndrome: Results from a Cohort Study Of 8 Million Adults.” Annals of Internal Medicine, October 21, 2020. https://doi.org/10.7326/M20-4986
2. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Other People Who Need Extra Precautions: People with Disabilities. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), September 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/
3. Wadman, Meredith. “COVID-19 is Ten Times Deadlier for People with Down Syndrome Raising Calls for Early Vaccine.” Science Magazine. December 15, 2020. https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abg1795
4. Trisomy 21 Research Society. “COVID-19 and Down Syndrome T21RS Survey Report.” October 22, 2020. https://www.t21rs.org/resultsfrom-covid-19-and-down-syndrome-survey/
5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “People with Certain Medical Conditions.” December 29, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
