There are actually 4 vaccines important in Parkinson's: The Living with Parkinson's Tip of the Day
Vaccines to think about!
To say that there has been “a lot of recent talk about vaccines,” may be the understatement of 2020.
There are actually 4 vaccines every person with Parkinson’s disease (or a neurodegenerative syndrome) should consider taking.
Persons with Parkinson’s frequently ask, should I get Flu, Pneumovax, Zoster and/or the COVID-19 vaccines.
The short answer for all 4 of the vaccines is YES definitely get them—as long as there is not a medical reason which would shift the risk benefit ratio against receiving the vaccine (e.g. certain conditions, medications or a past history of certain conditions). Make sure you check with your doctor to assess your risk(s).
Also, consider that hospitalization in Parkinson’s disease has been associated with high morbidity and mortality— and we try to keep Parkinson’s persons out of the hospital (if possible). This is another compelling reason to consider vaccination.
Flu and Pneumonia Shots
We do not yet have any strong evidence to suggest that having Parkinson’s disease puts you at greater risk for contracting flu or bacterial pneumonia, however we do know that your recovery after infection is more challenging when you have Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s mildly affects the lungs and can affect breathing. These are compelling reasons many people will opt to take both of these vaccines.
We know that breathing and respiratory types of illnesses tend to make Parkinson’s motor and non-motor symptoms worse. Additionally, if antibiotics are required for treatment, antibacterial drugs can sometimes affect the absorption of your Parkinson’s disease medications. This may result in worsened symptoms.
In summary we recommend persons with Parkinson’s disease (in our practice) receive these 2 shots unless there is a compelling medical reason not to.
Zoster Vaccine
There is another condition called Herpes Zoster (VZV). The zoster virus infects nerves and can result in a very painful red rash. Even worse than the painful rash is that in a subset of people infected, there can be post-herpetic neuralgia (pain) which can last weeks to months— or even longer. Herpes can also get into the eye— which can be very bad news. For these reasons we recommend in our practice to seek out the zoster shot. Some practices will not administer this shot before the age of 50 or so— however it is generally safe under the age of 50 for young onset Parkinson’s and most doctors will administer to adults of any age (if asked)
COVID-19 Vaccine
We have had a number of patients in our practice with Parkinson’s come down with COVID-19. For similar reasons as weadminister the flu and pneumonia shots, we also strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine. We do not have information to suggest that persons with Parkinson’s are at any greater risk to contract COVID-19, however recovery has been challenging given the many motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s— these tend to worsen with COVID-19. Similar to flu, we have unfortunately had persons with Parkinson’s disease who have died as a result of this infection. For these reasons we strongly recommend that unless there is a compelling medical reason not to receive the vaccine— that when available you take it!
Finally, Parkinson’s puts you at higher risk for aspiration pneumonia, which is different than bacterial or viral pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is caused by food or liquids going down the wrong pipe and landing in the lungs. Many Parkinson’s individuals, especially when hospitalized, may aspirate and get a resultant pneumonia— and in some cases the pneumonia can be complicated by co-existent bacterial and viral infection. Aspiration risk in Parkinson’s is another compelling reason to take vaccines, prevent infections and limit hospitalizations.
Read more in the new book by Drs Okun, Malaty and Deeb- Living with Parkinson’s (Robert Rose,
Big Four Vaccines if you have Parkinson’s
