Disability considerations for COVID-19 vaccination: WHO and UNICEF policy brief, 19 April 2021

The document and considerations outlined were developed through a twostep approach including:

1. A rapid scoping review of literature to identify the potential barriers that persons with disabilities may face when accessing COVID-19 vaccination; and
2. An expert consultation process with WHO and UNICEF focal points for disability, immunization, ageing and mental health, as well as experts from other UN agencies. The draft document also received feedback from civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities.

It is essential that all actions to prevent and contain the spread of virus (e.g. mask use, physical distancing, etc.) continue to be inclusive of persons with disabilities, especially in the early phases of vaccine roll-out when immunization is not widespread. All stakeholders should take steps to ensure that information shared about vaccination against COVID‑19 is accurate and from reputable sources (such as health-care providers), and that misinformation, where present, is addressed.