Landes speaks to PBS about COVID-19 vaccines for people with IDD

April 1, 2021

PBS

Scott Landes

Sociology Department

Aging Studies Institute

Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health

COVID-19

Health Policy

IDD

Longevity

Mental Health

United States

PBS

Scott Landes

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19. Plus, many receive care in group living facilities, putting them at further risk. But despite the elevated risks for those with IDD, they face an uphill vaccination battle. "It's not been surprising, on one hand, that states have not prioritized this group, because that's historically been the case," says Scott Landes, associate professor of sociology. "It's been disappointing, because the evidence was there pre-pandemic and the evidence is there now that this group is at higher risk." Watch the full interview, "Relative invisibility makes for uphill battle to get COVID vaccines for Americans with IDD," on PBS NewsHour.