Global report on Covid-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities

Results from secondary analyses of Special Olympics’ program planning

Bibliographic Data

ID19593750
AuthorsAndrew E Lincoln (0000-0003-2345-3320, Special Olympics, corresponding author), Alicia M Dixon-Ibarra (0000-0001-8499-5233, Oregon State University, corresponding author), John Hanley (0000-0001-6870-9321, Special Olympics, corresponding author), Ashlyn Smith (0000-0001-8883-2765, Special Olympics, corresponding author), Ashlyn L Smith, Kiki Martin (Special Olympics, corresponding author), Alicia Bazzano (Special Olympics, corresponding author)
EditorsJavier H Eslava-Schmalbach
Year2023
Volume3
Issue6
Pagese0001367
Publication date2023-06-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0001367
PMID37310924
OpenAlexW4380537229
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited28

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. The objective of this study was to identify global rates of COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) associated with country economic income levels. The Special Olympics COVID-19 online survey was administered in January-February 2022 to adults with ID from 138 countries. Descriptive analyses of survey responses include 95% margins of error. Logistic regression and Pearson Chi-squared tests were calculated to assess associations with predictive variables for vaccination using R 4.1.2 software. Participants (n = 3560) represented 18 low (n = 410), 35 lower-middle (n = 1182), 41 upper-middle (n = 837), and 44 high (n = 1131) income countries. Globally, 76% (74.8–77.6%) received a COVID-19 vaccination while 49.5% (47.9–51.2%) received a COVID-19 booster. Upper-middle (93% (91.2–94.7%)) and high-income country (94% (92.1–95.0%)) participants had the highest rates of vaccination while low-income countries had the lowest rates (38% (33.3–42.7%)). In multivariate regression models, country economic income level (OR = 3.12, 95% CI [2.81, 3.48]), age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.03, 1.05]), and living with family (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.53, 0.92]) were associated with vaccination. Among LLMICs, the major reason for not vaccinating was lack of access (41.2% (29.5–52.9%)). Globally, concerns about side effects (42%, (36.5–48.1%)) and parent/guardian not wanting the adult with ID to vaccinate (32% (26.1–37.0%)) were the most common reasons for not vaccinating. Adults with ID from low and low-middle income countries reported fewer COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting reduced access and availability of resources in these countries. Globally, COVID-19 vaccination levels among adults with ID were higher than the general population. Interventions should address the increased risk of infection for those in congregate living situations and family caregiver apprehension to vaccinate this high-risk population

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Disease · Mass vaccination · Outbreak · Vaccination · Immune responses and vaccinations · Medicine · Psychology · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy · Virology and Viral Diseases · Gerontology · Virology

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