As the state moves forward with its COVID-19 vaccination plan, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 22.

Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris made the announcement on Friday, March 12, detailing groups that would receiving extended eligibility as part of Allocation Phase 1c of the state’s vaccination plan.

“This is great news,” said Darryle Powell, Executive Director of the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD). “We encourage those with developmental disabilities, and their family members, to take advantage of the expanded distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The pandemic has been especially worrisome for those in more physically vulnerable populations, and this should be a big help.”

Others now eligible to receive the vaccine include those 55 and older, as well as people between the ages of 16 and 64 who have high-risk medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and other serious conditions. The list of critical workers eligible has also expanded to include those in waste and wastewater, transportation and logistics, food service, and other occupations.

Dr. Harris mentioned that expected dose increases from the federal government over the next several weeks prompted the latest expansion of vaccinations. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit the Alabama COVID-19 Dashboard Hub at arcg.is/0brSGj.

For more information on the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, call 334-242-3973 or visit www.acdd.org.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is comprised of 36 governor-appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives of public agencies that serve them. The organization is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities. To that end, ACDD works towards system changes in aspects of service/support to promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www.acdd.org.