COVID-19: Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville launches vaccination campaign

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A recent United Kingdom study shows that individuals with Down Syndrome are about five times more likely to be hospitalized and 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19.

Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals with Down Syndrome have priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations, but the state of Florida has yet to include the community.

Taking action, the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville launched a campaign called #AShotAtTheShot.

“It has literally stopped their lives in their tracks. They are so isolated and as we all know, we’ve been into this for over a year,” Debbie Revels, Executive Director for the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, said.

“We’re just hoping we can get our folks on the high risk high priority list in the state of Florida.”

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Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville Down syndrome individual vaccine campaign (Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville)

Much like the rest of us, Stephanie Lewis has spent the last year video chatting and watching movies.

Out of safety, her mother Tammy says all of her plans have been put in the back seat for now.

“She used to have a full calendar of things to do and everything came to a halt,” Lewis said. “We’ve just been trying to keep her busy, keep her happy and doing the best we can.”

Stephanie says once she gets the vaccine, she’s excited to stay safe and have fun again.

“I’m excited to see my grandparents, my friends and go to Disney World,” Stephanie Lewis said.

For more information, you can head to their website.

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