The Trisomy 21 Research Society has conducted a survey showing that individuals with Down syndrome (particularly those over the age of 40, and younger individuals with significant comorbidities) are at increased risk to have more severe outcomes following infection with SARS-Cov-2, including secondary lung complications (1).
In the context of prioritisation of vaccination for high risk groups, we strongly recommend that individuals with Down syndrome (particularly those over 40, and those younger than 40 with significant comorbidities) are prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination programs to limit SARS-Cov-2 infections. While we await availability of COVID-19 vaccines, seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccination would be advisable for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. There is no evidence that vaccinations are associated with increased side effects in people with Down syndrome.
We would recommend that research is conducted alongside a COVID-19 vaccination program to establish whether antibody responses are sufficient using standard protocols in the light of previous experience with some other vaccines that suggested that titres may vary (2, 3) and that additional boosters may be required for individuals with Down syndrome (4).