MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223,
Jeff.Powell@Nebraska.Gov
Those Unable to Attend Recent Events Highly Encouraged to Register for the Vaccine
Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) held four vaccination events for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their caregivers throughout Nebraska that resulted in 1,176 vaccinations.
The four events held in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Norfolk were the result of a partnership between DHHS, The Munroe-Meyers Institute, Community Pharmacy, and Hy-Vee.
“We appreciate the hard-work and cooperation of our community partners to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities received the vaccine," said DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith.
Individuals with IDD are at a higher risk of COVID-19. For example, researchers estimate that adults with Down syndrome are almost five times more likely to die from COVID-19. In addition, isolation during the pandemic has been especially hard on individuals with special needs since community participation and inclusion is vital to their development.
While the results of the four vaccination events are encouraging, more work is needed to ensure that those most in need receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.
“Now that the general population is eligible to receive the vaccine, we highly encourage those in the IDD community and their caregivers who were unable to attend these events to register and receive the vaccine as soon as possible," said Tony Green, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Nebraskans can register for the vaccine at vaccinate.ne.gov. Please also check with a local health district or area pharmacies that may be scheduling appointments.
The State's website is available in Spanish. If individuals need assistance or do not have access to the internet, they can call the information line for help toll free at (833) 998-2275.