The issue of vaccination of persons with disabilities in institutions brings many thoughts and questions. The prioritizing of access to vaccination by persons with disabilities in institutions is understandable. While the vaccination of persons with disabilities in institutions may sound like a simple solution, in practice, it is far from simple. The free and informed informed consent on vaccination of persons deprived of legal capacity and liberty must be guaranteed. The practical roll out of vaccination in mental health institutions will require a careful approach. The role of the pharmaceutical industry in the mental health sector may also carry some important lessons. Vaccination alone is not enough. The safest option is deinstitutionalization.
Read the series of four articles “Mind the Gap” by Jolijn Santegoeds, on COVID19, the vaccination plan and its consequences for people with disabilities here.