The news caught my attention recently with the headline that those with disabilities are much more likely to die from coronavirus than those without. I immediately thought that this didn't sound quite right as last year the consensus was that those with HSP in wheelchairs weren't at increased risk unless they had other factors coming into play.
The headline had abbreviated a key point - it is those with learning difficulties who are much more likely to die, and the headline writers had abbreviated learning difficulties into the more general term disabilities (which is not helpful!).
I know that there are many who have complex HSP who have cognitive impairment (i.e. learning difficulties, or intellectual disability - ID) as one of their HSP symptoms. For those that like specifics, SPG11 and SPG15 are two of the more common types of HSP where cognitive impairment can be an HSP symptom, but there are many others.
Here in the UK we are in our second phase of coronavirus vaccinations. The first phase sought to vaccinate people over 70, those who live or work in care homes, those who work on the frontline in healthcare, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. People who have complex HSP including cognitive impairments or learning difficulties are much more likely to be in this clinically extremely vulnerable group, particularly when their cognitive impairments are advanced, or when other HSP symptoms are advanced. If this applies to you, you are in the UK and you have not received an invitation for vaccination, then get in touch with your GP.
Summary: If your HSP has cognitive impairments as a symptom, and these are advanced - seek vaccination for coronavirus.
In the UK vaccinations are heading into their second phase, targeting those aged between 60 and 70, and those with underlying health conditions. The list of underlying conditions includes those with "a neurological or muscle wasting condition." People with HSP easily fall within this category, although those starting their HSP journeys or with mild symptoms are likely to be at no greater risk than others of the same age. If you are in the UK and your HSP is advanced, then you should expect to get an invitation for vaccination soon. If you are not sure if your HSP is advanced, talk with your GP or neurologist.
Summary: If your HSP is advanced, consider seeking vaccination for coronavirus.
In the UK, the population aged 50-60 comes next, theoretically by April, with the rest of the adult population by the autumn.
Lastly on this topic, there have been a few questions popping up on social media asking if HSP would be a reason not to get a coronavirus vaccine. I am not aware of any such concerns, and if you are worried I suggest talking this through with your doctor before getting a vaccination. The overwhelming body of evidence is that the vaccines are safe and effective. Side effects tend to be soreness at the injection site or slight fever/tiredness for a couple of day, lasting a day or so. The main message is that the risks from coronavirus greatly outweigh the risks from vaccination.
Summary: Vaccinations are safe
Links:
Increased risks for those with learning difficulties: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/people-with-learning-disabilities-had-higher-death-rate-from-covid-19
The priority groups: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care-home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups
Current timings: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55045639
Vaccines are safe: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines-safety
Yes, readers, I note that the headline on increased risks is from November 2020. I remember hearing it on the radio late January or early February, and was surprised to find the original report was from November.
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