The Redruth mother of a teenager with a developmental disability is asking for clarification of the COVID-19 vaccination policy to people with intellectual and learning disabilities.
The Government has said people with severe learning disabilities are a priority.
However, Maria Whitehurst says she has been unable to book a vaccine appointment for her 16 year old daughter Liddy.
According to Public Health England data, people with learning disabilities are six times more likely to die of Covid than people without.
Maria told ITV News West Country she has very concerned for her daughter.
“She’s very vulnerable and to not know when she’s going to get that vaccine is frightening,” she said.
“And we’re not the only people in this situation. I’ve spoken to lots of our friends who are in the same situation and there’s nobody that can give us answers as to when it will happen.
“Not only is she vulnerable from the point of view that she has poor health, she’s also vulnerable from the point of view that she has a learning disability.”
Mencap, a charity which supports people with learning disabilities, published a report which suggested there has been unequal levels of care during the pandemic.
Emma Bagley, who is the South West divisional director of fellow charitable organisation Hft, said, “We know that people with any learning disability are six times more likely to die of Covid-19 than someone that doesn’t have a learning disability.
“It is so important the government acts now to prioritise everybody with a learning disability.
“And we’re also seeing a really inconsistent picture. It seems quite patchy across the South West with regards to the vaccinations that are being offered out, depending on the region.
“That concerns me because I am concerned that people are potentially being missed.”
