COVID-19 Vaccinations Lag Among Those With Disabilities, Census Finds
Amid heightened concerns about COVID-19 as the delta variant spreads across the nation, new federal data indicates that adults with disabilities are less likely than others to be vaccinated.
About 79% of adults with disabilities have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine compared to nearly 84% of those without a disability.
The information comes from the U.S. Census’ Household Pulse Survey and was published this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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It is based on data collected from more than 107,000 Americans ages 18 and older through an online survey during two different periods, one spanning June 23 to July 5 and another between July 21 and August 2. Individuals were asked “Have you received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?” and responses were weighted to reflect the total adult population.
The disparity in vaccination rates for people with disabilities persists across ages and racial groups, the Census data shows.
The figures in the report differ somewhat from the CDC’s estimate that 72% of all adults have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
In recent weeks, COVID-19 infections have ballooned — particularly in less vaccinated areas of the country — as the more contagious delta variant has become dominant in the U.S.
Meanwhile, people with developmental disabilities are particularly vulnerable with research showing that they face a much higher risk of death from COVID-19 than others.
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