Vaccines and Parkinson's

• Vaccines can help protect you from infections that can make you seriously ill.
• Infections can temporarily make your Parkinson's symptoms harder to manage.
• Keep taking your Parkinson's medication as prescribed, even when you're unwell or having a vaccine.
• If you have Parkinson's, you can get a free flu vaccine every year.
• You may be eligible for the COVID-19 or RSV vaccine, depending on your age, health and circumstances.
• Speak to your GP, pharmacist or Parkinson's nurse if you're unsure which vaccines you need or have any concerns.

Infections such as flu, COVID-19, or RSV can make you seriously ill. If you have Parkinson's, an infection can also make your symptoms harder to manage for a while. 

Some people with Parkinson's are more vulnerable to serious illness from respiratory infections. This is because Parkinson's can affect breathing and swallowing in some people. Vaccinations can help protect you from certain infections and reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill.

An infection may make you feel more tired or make it harder to move and do your usual activities. These changes should improve as you recover. This does not mean that your Parkinson's is getting worse.

It's important to keep taking your Parkinson's medication at the times prescribed for you, even when you're unwell. If you're vomiting, cannot swallow your medication, or feel very unwell, contact your GP or Parkinson's nurse for advice.

A vaccine helps your immune system learn how to recognise and fight an infection before you come into contact with it.

Vaccines contain a safe form or part of a virus or bacteria. This teaches your immune system what to look out for and how to respond.

If you come into contact with the infection later, your immune system can respond more quickly. Vaccines do not always stop you from getting an infection, but they can lower your risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people with Parkinson's can have the vaccines recommended for them.

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines do not affect how Parkinson's medication works. You should keep taking your Parkinson's medication as prescribed when you have a vaccine.

If you're worried about a particular vaccine or medication, or have had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine before, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or Parkinson's nurse.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you against COVID-19, which can be a serious illness for some people. The vaccine is usually offered in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults.

COVID-19 viruses can change and protection can fade over time, so it's important to top up your protection if you're eligible when a new vaccine becomes available.

If you're eligible, you'll be invited to book an appointment. In England, you do not need to wait for an invite. Book your COVID-19 appointment on the NHS website.

Having Parkinson's does not mean you are automatically eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. You need to meet one of the eligibility criteria above.

Read more about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website.

Treatment for COVID-19

Treatment is available for people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. This can include some people with Parkinson's. 

The treatment is an antiviral medicine, which may be given as a tablet or capsules, or as a drip in your arm (infusion).

If you test positive for COVID-19 and would like treatment, speak to your GP as soon as possible so they can assess whether it's suitable for you. If you're in hospital, speak to your hospital doctor.

Read more about treatments for COVID-19 on the NHS website.

You may be offered other vaccines depending on your age and circumstances.

For example, you may be offered vaccines against pneumococcal disease or shingles.

Your GP, pharmacist, or Parkinson's nurse can tell you which vaccines are recommended for you.

• Read more about the pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS website.
• Read more about the shingles vaccine on the NHS website.

Vaccine programmes and eligibility can vary across the UK. Use the links for the latest information about vaccines where you live.

• Read more about vaccines in England on the NHS England website.
• Read more about vaccines in Northern Ireland on the nidirect website.
• Read more about vaccines in Scotland on the NHS inform website.
• Read more about vaccines in Wales on the Public Health Wales website.

Last updated 15 October 2026. This content will next be reviewed within 3 years of that date.