WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest update to the Disability and Health Data System (DHDS), providing a crucial snapshot of health data among adults with disabilities across the United States. The 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data reveals that over 70 million adults—more than one in four—reported having a disability last year.
For the first time, the 2022 BRFSS included data on Long COVID, defined as symptoms persisting for three months or longer that were not present before contracting COVID-19. The findings are concerning: Long COVID symptoms were more prevalent among people with disabilities (10.8%) compared to those without disabilities (6.6%).
Long COVID can affect anyone who contracts the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but some groups are at higher risk. People with disabilities may be particularly vulnerable due to underlying medical conditions, living in congregate settings, or facing systemic health and social inequities.
The CDC is working closely with clinicians, public health partners, and other federal agencies to better understand Long COVID and its impact, especially on people with disabilities. Vaccination remains the best defense against severe outcomes from COVID-19, according to the CDC.
This latest update from the CDC highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to support the health and well-being of people with disabilities, particularly as we continue to navigate the long-term effects of the pandemic.
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