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Last week the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced membership in the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee with broad representation from organizations throughout California to provide input into the distribution and allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine. The committee will help guide the state’s decision making and build equity into decisions about vaccine distribution and allocation. California’s planning process for the eventual distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be guided by three overarching principles. They include ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine meets safety requirements, ensuring the vaccine is distributed and administered equitably, at first to those with the highest risk of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19, and making transparency a top priority by bringing in community stakeholders from the beginning.
Equity in distribution of vaccines is particularly important to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities – who may be at higher risk of becoming infected or having serious illness due to COVID-19 – their families, and the essential workforce that provide critical supports and services.
The disability community has a long, complicated, and at times tragic past with vaccines and medical trials. The Arc of California will work with partner organizations to ensure the needs and concerns of the disability community are represented in discussions and ultimately decisions made related to vaccine distribution and priorities.
To learn more about the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee and California’s vaccination plan go to https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-311.aspx