Update 1.12.2021

According to the protocols established by the Ministry of Health, people with certain mental health diagnoses and neurodevelopmental conditions have been prioritized within the COVID-19 vaccination process.

At De-mentes, we have been leading the formal request for this prioritization, and since May we have been sharing every detail of this important milestone that has now become a reality. In this article, we have gathered the frequently asked questions we have received through our social media channels and answered them with official information provided by the Ministry of Health. Take note!

• Which conditions have been prioritized?

Two mental health diagnoses and two neurodevelopmental conditions will be included as comorbidities:

➡️ Psychosis (including schizophrenia)
➡️ Bipolar disorder
➡️ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
➡️ Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)

• What is the vaccination process established for this group?

People with the four comorbidities mentioned above can receive their vaccine at the vaccination center closest to their home and are entitled to priority attention.

If you are unable to go to your nearest vaccination center, you can request to receive the vaccine at home by calling the following numbers: 113 (MINSA) or 107 (EsSalud).

• What documents should I bring to the vaccination center?

In addition to your DNI, you must present a certificate or document issued by entities such as CONADIS, EsSalud, or similar organizations, or a document signed by a psychiatrist or another medical specialist that certifies the specific diagnosis or condition. A medical prescription may also be presented, as long as it includes your name and, likewise, the specific diagnosis or condition.

If you are going to receive your booster dose, do not forget to also bring your vaccination card proving that five months have passed since you received your last dose.

• Should I go with someone accompanying me?

You may go with someone accompanying you only if you consider it necessary.

• What do Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD) include?

IDD refers to what was previously known as “mental retardation” or “intellectual disability delay.” The term was changed in the World Health Organization’s manuals due to the stigmatizing and pathologizing nature of the previous label.

We will continue providing information and updating this article with more relevant details provided by official sources. Stay tuned to our social media channels, where we will share all updates.

Thank you for following us, De-mentes!

#EveryoneForMentalHealth