BALTIMORE — Johns Hopkins University has launched a new COVID-19 dashboard that aims to help people with disabilities determine when they qualify for a vaccine.
The tool also compares how different states are prioritizing the disabled in their respective vaccine roll out plans.
Johns Hopkins senior Sabrina Epstein sparked the idea. She has a genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which puts her at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Because EDS is considered a rare disease, it is not listed a high-risk chronic illness for vaccine prioritization, making it difficult for Epstein to determine when she can get vaccinated.
“I was trying to register my grandfather for his vaccine in Texas and I noticed that I already qualified in Texas because of my chronic conditions but in Maryland I don’t qualify yet I’m still waiting,” said Epstein.
She hopes the tool can be used to help policymakers improve the system.
The dashboard will be updated weekly. Click here to visit.
