COVID-19 has impacted all of us. But with the approval of safe and effective vaccines, we can begin to look forward to the end of the pandemic. While vaccines are becoming available to more people, we’ve compiled resources to help answer your questions about COVID-19 vaccines and Parkinson’s.
Start by reading the official statement from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, which includes the following information:
All considered, we have encouraged our community of health specialists to recommend COVID-19 vaccination to their patients with PD (or their responsible caregivers) unless there is a specific reason that precludes administration. We also recommend that patients come forward to see the vaccine as quickly as it is available.
Read the full MDS COVID-19 Vaccine Statement for Patients.
Read commentary in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease from leading Parkinson’s researchers and physicians who recommend COVID-19 vaccination with approved vaccines to persons with PD, unless there is a specific contraindication.
In addition to this statement, we’ve gathered information from leading Parkinson’s organizations to help provide answers and guidelines:
1. Michael J. Fox Foundation’s COVID-19 Resource Hub – This dedicated hub provides information and resources to support the worldwide Parkinson’s community through this challenging time. The hub includes information about the vaccines and efforts to ensure access for people with Parkinson’s.
2. Parkinson’s Foundation’s Parkinson’s and the COVID-19 Vaccine – This web page includes a written and video Q&A with Dr. Michael Okun, Parkinson’s Foundation’s National Medical Advisor. The page also includes links for more information about COVID-19 and Parkinson’s.
3. American Parkinson’s Disease Association’s Answering Your Questions About PD and COVID-19 – The APDA has also created a webpage with a written Q&A about the COVID-19 vaccines. On January 27, 2021 Dr. Joel Perlmutter hosted a special webinar to answer your questions about the vaccine.
We all continue to work hard to help ensure the health and safety our PD community. BGF remains committed to providing resources to help people with Parkinson’s live inspired lives, better together. Join us for an upcoming webcast. Learn more at briangrant.org/events.
