This is a follow-up to our blog post: Have your say on Vaccinations
Earlier this year, ACE Anglia brought people together to talk about vaccines. They worked with self-advocacy groups like Opening Doors and family organisations across the eastern region. In Norfolk, ASD Helping Hands helped 20 people with learning disabilities complete a survey to share their experiences.
What Was the Project About?
The project looked at what makes it hard for people with learning disabilities and their families to get vaccines like the flu, COVID, and pneumococcal. It was all about listening and learning.
What Happened?
There were two big workshops – one face-to-face in Red Lodge and another online on Zoom. People from all over the East of England joined, including NHS staff, self-advocates, family carers, and ACE staff. There was also a special session run by Herts People First.
What Did People Say?
Lots of things make getting a vaccine hard, such as:
- Confusing information
- Not knowing where to go
- No one explaining clearly
- Fear of needles
- Trouble with online booking systems
Many people said they didn’t talk about vaccines at their health checks or weren’t asked if they needed support.
What Can Be Done Better? People had great ideas to make things easier:
- Use easy-read leaflets and videos
- Offer vaccines in community places
- Allow more time to talk with health staff
- Ask people how they want to be contacted
- Train support staff so they can help more
Final Thoughts
This project showed how important it is to listen. Thanks to everyone who took part, we now know more about what needs to change to make vaccines easier and fairer for people with learning disabilities.
You can read the full easy-read summary by clicking on the button below