Coronavirus vaccines are now available in some places for people with Down syndrome. Should they get the shot?
In a previous post, I detailed how states have adopted a variety of different phases for prioritizing the vaccine. And, in previous posts, I’ve detailed how those with Down syndrome have a vastly increased risk for fatal outcomes if they are infected with COVID-19. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control has included “Down syndrome” as one of the conditions in its recognized “high risk” group for prioritizing those who receive the vaccines. But states still vary widely on whom they prioritize.
For instance, on the Informed Decision Making Task Force call for this month, I learned that while Kentucky has included those with Down syndrome in the third-highest priority group, Georgia–where the CDC is headquartered–has not. And, Tennessee has given an even higher priority than Kentucky for those with Down syndrome. Three states; three different priority levels.
Regardless, people with Down syndrome will–eventually–have access to getting the vaccine. This poses the question:
Should they?
First and foremost, all guidance recognizes and respects that whether or not to have any medical procedure or treatment is a matter of individual informed choice. While the question, then, is usually asked if someone or if some group of people “should” do something, the question really is:
Is the coronavirus vaccine recommended for people with Down syndrome?
The short answer is: yes, with one exception.
The longer answer:
The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group is an organization of healthcare providers and researchers focused on treatments for Down syndrome and its associated co-morbidities. (I’ve written about DSMIG here). The association has put out a helpful, informative position statement.
In light of the severe effects people with Down syndrome are more at risk for should they get infected with COVID-19, and in light of the vaccines being considered by DSMIG as “well studied”, its position statement succinctly states:
At this time, we recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities who do not have a specific contraindication to the vaccine (as described below).
A review of the statement finds the “specific contraindication” a surprisingly short list.
Those with loved ones with Down syndrome have expressed concern over whether their child, family member, of friend with Down syndrome should have the vaccine if they have a heart condition, sleep apnea, or autoimmune disorder, all commonly co-occurring conditions with Down syndrome.
The DSMIG statement however only identifies the “specific contraindication” of whether the patient has had a “severe allergic reaction” such as anaphylaxis, to the first shot of the vaccine or to other injectable therapy. The only other limitation is age as the Pfizer vaccine is not recommended for children under 16 and the Moderna vaccine is not recommended for those under 18 years of age.
The statement specifically addresses autoimmune disorders and finds that these should not keep an individual with Down syndrome from getting the vaccine, if that is what they so choose.
DSMIG is an association of physicians, geneticists, genetic counselors, pediatricians, and many other specialities who have devoted their practices and research to improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. By issuing its position statement, these professionals are staking their professional reputations behind it. While distrust of the “experts” has been a side effect of the pandemic lockdown recommendations, DSMIG has shown itself to be an organization that can be trusted.
Given the increased risk people with Down syndrome are at for severe outcomes should they contract the COVID-19 virus, the vaccine for that disease is recommended for them.
Here is a helpful fact sheet written in plain language to help explain the coronavirus and the vaccine for it.
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