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Vaccine Provider Best Practices

January 11, 2022

Vaccine Provider Best Practices

The following are suggestions and best practices for administering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in clinic or drive thru environments.

People with disabilities have equal rights to access COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccine providers should implement the following best practices to ensure all people can access COVID-19 vaccinations who choose to receive them. These include accomodations for behavioral, intellectual, or physical disabilities that may affect a person’s ability to comply during the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Communication

  • Talk directly to the person receiving the vaccine.
  • Keep in mind that you may have difficulty understanding the person. Be patient as they communicate with you and recognize that, in most cases, they understand you.
  • Ask permission before speaking with their family members, caregivers or direct support professional (DSP), if possible.
  • Ask the caregiver or DSP for assistance if you need help communicating with the person receiving the vaccine.
  • Be clear with all steps that will be taken to administer the vaccine.
  • Use plain language to inform the person and caregiver or DSP about any follow-up needed.
A girl wearing a teal backwards cap and a pink mask.
Elderly woman getting advice from a doctor as another woman looks on.

Accommodations and Preferences

  • Allow specific accommodations or preferences that will help ensure a successful vaccination for each person in a clinic or a drive-thru environment.
  • Accommodations or preferences may include a quiet or less populated area to wait, sitting in the comfort of their wheelchair, accompanied by a caregiver or DSP, and other individualized supports.
  • Accommodations or preferences may be written on a form or be communicated in other ways.
  • Allow a caregiver or DSP to go with the person to ensure adequate support or sit with them in the vehicle.
  • Provide ramps and rooms with enough access for a wheelchair or other mobility devices.
  • Provide qualified interpreter services for the deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Use prompts, such as picture cues, for those with limited use of verbal communication.
  • Provide the time needed for peope to speak, respond, and understand.

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Other Resources

We have created the following resources for you to share with your patients that have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: