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Prepare and Protect Vulnerable Populations

January 25, 2021

From the Office for Social Ministry

For the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is acknowledging that people with disabilities – particularly persons with Down Syndrome, are at a higher risk for illness or death from COVID-19.  Some factors that increase the risk of infection for persons with disabilities include:

• limited mobility preventing them from avoiding close contact with others who may be infected;
• trouble understanding information or practicing safety measures;
• inability to communicate symptoms of illness.

Families coping with special needs are advised to prepare an action plan for prevention by considering the following:

What alternative do you have in case your caregiver or support provider gets sick?

• Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors and local service agencies who can provide you care.

Plan at least two ways of communicating from home (and work) that can be used rapidly in case of an emergency (i.e. cell phone/text, email, etc.). 

• Write down this information and keep it with you.

Have enough household items and groceries to last you a few weeks and at least a 30-day supply of medication. 

• Make a photocopy of your medications as this may help if an emergency should occur.

Currently Hawaii’s Department of Health is administering COVID-19 vaccinations for kupuna age 75 and over, as well as select essential frontline workers on all islands.  If you have any questions about how, where and what to expect after receiving the COVID vaccine, please speak to your healthcare provider.  For more information on how to register for the vaccine, visit the Hawaii COVID-19 website.