I am in awe and very appreciative of the job Dr. Nirav Shah and Gov. Mills are doing.
I am perplexed, though, as to why the previous order of who gets vaccines and when was changed. The arguments used are exactly the same arguments used to deny disabled people from getting appropriate school services or community supports. Essentially, what is being said is: “We don’t have the time or resources to accommodate this group, or even sit down and figure out who needs what, because we have to address the needs of the masses.” Except that in this case, people may die or become even more physically compromised.
Vaccination was done at group homes, but what about the hundreds who are being cared for by their families? (At great savings to the state, I might add!) Even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against strictly age-based vaccination.
Another huge step backward for the rights and needs of the disabled. Not a proud moment.
Margaret Cloutier
Portland
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