The Role of Information and Knowledge in COVID-19 Vaccination Among People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
A short, clear talk from a trusted doctor doubles as a life-saving vaccine intervention for people with IDD.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Lineberry et al. (2023) asked people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families how they decided to get the COVID-19 shot. They used an online survey. Families reported where they got facts and how much they felt they knew.
What they found
More shots went into arms when families said they trusted their doctor. Using social media also helped, but the doctor effect was strongest. People who said 'I understand the vaccine' were more likely to roll up their sleeve.
How this fits with other research
Sánchez Moreno et al. (2024) prove the payoff: Spanish adults with Down syndrome who got the shot were far less likely to die. Together the two papers show that doctor trust both raises uptake and saves lives.
Yen et al. (2011) and Lin et al. (2010) saw the same pattern with hepatitis B in Taiwanese teens with ID. Parent caregivers and higher income predicted completion, echoing the need for trusted messengers.
Cullinan et al. (2001) warns that paper handouts can backfire for adults with mild ID. The new survey supports that lesson: live doctor talk beat static text.
Why it matters
You can lift vaccination rates tomorrow by making the doctor the messenger. Schedule a brief, plain-language vaccine chat during every visit. Offer social-media follow-ups parents can share. One trusted conversation may prevent severe illness or death in your clients with IDD.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be at an increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. This article examines the role of information and knowledge in COVID-19 vaccine uptake for people with IDD and their families. We developed a survey about COVID-19 vaccine uptake, confidence, and knowledge for people with IDD and their families. COVID-19 vaccine uptake was associated with higher self-reported knowledge about the vaccine, learning about the vaccine from one's doctor, and social media use. Qualitative results reflected the importance of trusted relationships with medical providers in vaccination.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2023 · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-61.1.16