What People with Disabilities and Care Providers Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

This post is an excerpt from the CDC’s webpage on Vaccine Considerations for People with Disabilities. It provides information for people with disabilities or conditions that may increase their risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, and for their care providers. If you do not see the information you need, please check the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.

Get a COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccines are now available to help protect you from getting COVID-19. You can register for the COVID-19 vaccine at New Mexico Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Registration site. Disability alone does not put you at higher risk for getting the virus that causes COVID-19. You may be at higher risk because of where you live, such as a long-term care home. You may be at risk because you need to have close contact with care providers. You may also be at risk because you have trouble wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from other people, or washing your hands.

Some people with disabilities are more likely to have health conditions that put them at a higher risk to get very sick from COVID-19. CDC has put together a list of underlying medical conditions that put people at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Talk to your doctor about your health conditions that may put you at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 and about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

You might wonder why your disability is not on the underlying conditions list. Conditions are added when there is enough scientific evidence to support putting them on the list. The list is updated as new information becomes available. Please check the list often for updates.

Take steps to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

How to get a COVID-19 vaccine for your care provider

You might have someone who helps you with your day-to-day activities, such as a parent, family member or other personal care provider. Care providers are considered essential workers in vaccination plans.

People who help you with your care might be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as you do, depending on what state they live in. Your family member or care provider can register for the COVID-19 vaccine at New Mexico Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Registration site.