COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) were facing disparities in health care systems. Across the board, people with ID are disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in health care, especially in terms of access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

People with ID already die 16-20 years earlier than the general population due to preventable illness
People with ID are almost 6x more likely to die from COVID-19
People with ID who live in congregate settings are dying at even higher rates due to COVID-19 because of challenges with social distancing

Special Olympics encourages everyone who is able to get the COVID-19 vaccine, to be vaccinated. Being vaccinated will help protect you from getting COVID-19, prevent serious illness, and may also help protect people around you.

MYTH vs FACT about the COVID-19 Vaccine

Myth: THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS NOT SAFE.
Fact: All the COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines. Studies have found that there have been no life-threatening side effects.

Myth: IF I GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE, I COULD GET COVID FROM THE VACCINE.
Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

Myth: THE COVID-19 VACCINE DOESN’T PROTECT ME FROM GETTING SICK WITH COVID-19.
Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine works by teaching your immune system how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. This protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.

Myth: I ALREADY HAD COVID-19 AND I RECOVERED, I DON’T NEED TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE.
Fact: There is a chance you can get re-infected with COVID-19. Even if you already had a COVID-19 infection. After getting COVID-19, the body does get immune to it, but it is not clear how long that lasts. So, the vaccine is still needed.

Myth: THERE ARE SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS TO THE COVID-19 VACCINES.
Fact: There are very mild side effects that go away quickly. They include headaches, chills, fatigue or muscle pain. These side effects last for a day or two. These side effects show your immune system is responding to the vaccine.

Myth: I WON’T NEED TO WEAR A MASK OR SOCIALLY DISTANCE AFTER I GET VACCINATED FOR COVID-19.
Fact: It may take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one. You still need to do all the other things to prevent COVID-19 infection. Keep your mask on. Continue to stay distanced from people. Keep washing your hands.

Myth: I HAVE ALLERGIES TO EGGS, NUTS AND/OR BEE STINGS SO I SHOULDN’T GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE.
Fact: You can get the vaccine even if you have severe allergies. All people wait 15-30 minutes after getting the vaccine to observe for reactions. You can’t get the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine or the ingredients of the COVID-19 vaccine. These ingredients include polyethylene glycol or polysorbate.

Myth: THE COVID-19 VACCINE WAS DEVELOPED TO CONTROL THE GENERAL POPULATION THROUGH MICROCHIP TRACKING IN OUR BRAINS.
Fact: There is no vaccine microchip. The vaccine will not track people or gather personal information.

Myth: SPECIAL OLYMPICS REQUIRES PARTICIPANTS (ATHLETES AND UNIFIED PARTNERS) TO BE VACCINATED BEFORE RETURNING TO ACTIVITIES.
Fact: Special Olympics Wisconsin does not require participants to be vaccinated to participate in practices and some competitions. In-Person Competitions and Contact Sport Competitions may require for participants to be vaccinated in order for Special Olympics Wisconsin to comply with SOI Guidelines. These requirements are determined on a sport by sport basis.