Ryan Lythall
By now, most of us have heard about the ongoing issues in trying to book an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Although I’ve tried, I haven’t yet been able to book an appointment.
As a person who uses a ventilator and has round-the-clock care, I often worry about getting COVID-19. I take every precaution that I can, including wearing a mask and limiting my physical and social interactions.
I understand about the priority to vaccinate the elderly no matter where they live and their caregivers, as well as front-line health care staff. But what about people with disabilities? Where are we on the list, if not even as a prioritized group?
Fortunately, for those living in Centretown, we have at least one person on our side. Recently, our MPP, Joel Harden, raised concerns about people with disabilities being left off the list of priority groups. His request to the premier is to include persons with disabilities during phase two of the vaccine rollout.
Harden said that “The government should have placed people with disabilities on their priority list for vaccinations from the start. Their failure to do so is putting lives at risk, and their lack of investment in a plan to remove any and all obstacles for people with disabilities trying to access their vaccination is a serious problem.”
This statement has also been supported by Ottawa Dr. Melanie Bechard. Dr Bechard produced a new research report on behalf of Harden’s office titled, “Prioritizing People with Disabilities for COVID-19 Vaccination in Ontario.”
In it, she notes the following:
1. Disability must be recognized as a factor that significantly increases a person’s risk of COVID-19 infection, complications, and death. Disability should be taken into account when decisions about COVID-19 vaccine prioritization are being made.
2. People with disabilities should be explicitly mentioned within Phase 2 of the vaccination rollout to ensure consistent practices across the province.
3. COVID-19 vaccination must be accessible to people of all abilities. People with disabilities should not face barriers in scheduling or receiving vaccination.
4. The Ontario Ministry of Health should collect data on the number of COVID-19 infections, complications, and deaths among people with disabilities in the province. (See joelharden.ca)
While phase two doesn’t specifically state that people with disabilities are eligible for the vaccine, the list does include those with specific health conditions. Personally, the following stands out for me: “People with neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis).”
Based on this description, it appears that I do qualify. I tried to book an appointment last week, but I was told by Ottawa Public Health that even though I qualify, they’re not taking bookings for those groups yet. I hope to provide an update in the next edition of The BUZZ.
I agree that 100 percent of people with disabilities should be a priority when it comes to the vaccine. For many persons, their disabilities affect their health or cause them to be susceptible to various illnesses.
As with everyone, getting vaccinated would put my mind at ease and I will have less anxiety.
Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rolling_enigma
Update: Ryan is now scheduled for his first vaccination shot on April 27.