Cerebral palsy and coronavirus
This information applies to England and Wales.
The government has said that people with some underlying health conditions have a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
The NHS lists cerebral palsy (CP) in the 'clinically vulnerable' to coronavirus category. This is not the same as being 'extremely vulnerable' to coronavirus.
This includes people who live with:
- hemiplegia (1 side of the body)
- diplegia (1 half of the body)
- triplegia (3 limbs affected)
- quadriplegia (4 limbs affected)
How much you are at risk may depend on other health conditions. For example, if:
- you have asthma
- you have diabetes
- you are offered a flu jab every year
Warning Contact your GP if you are unsure
If you are unsure whether you are at risk, contact your GP for advice. They have access to your medical notes and can answer any concerns you have.
Government guidelines
The Government guidance does not consider your individual circumstances.
The level of risk will vary for each person with CP. But if you or a family member has CP, you should follow the guidelines.
Do this even if you think you are low risk because you have no other health conditions.
Living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19 (GOV.UK)
Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace (GOV.UK)
You should also avoid contact with someone showing symptoms of coronavirus.
People extremely vulnerable to coronavirus
People in the extremely vulnerable group usually have complex health conditions, such as severe asthma.
COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk (GOV.UK)
Last reviewed by Scope on: 28/02/2024
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Coronavirus and cerebral palsy
Discussion in Cerebral palsy - 20 Apr 2020