Parkinson's and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Parkinson's can cause respiratory issues for some people. If you have advanced Parkinson's or have lived with the condition for a long time, you're more likely to have breathing and respiratory difficulties. Coronavirus affects your lungs and airways. This is why people with Parkinson's are described as being at greater risk of severe illness if they get coronavirus.

The UK has some of the highest safety standards in the world. All approved vaccines meet the strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the UK’s medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

So far, millions of people have been given a coronavirus vaccine. Reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or clotting problems, have been very rare. 

Our Clinical Director, Dr Donald Grosset, advises: "The vaccine is safe for people with Parkinson's. There is no interaction with Parkinson's medication. 

"As new variants of the virus continue to emerge and spread across the UK, we recommend that everyone with Parkinson’s, and their carers, stay up to date with any boosters they are offered to maintain that level of protection."

Autumn 2024 coronavirus and flu boosters 

You'll be able to get a coronavirus booster in autumn 2024 if you're in one of the following groups:

• adults aged 65 years and over
• residents in a care home for older people
• people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group

You'll also be offered the annual flu vaccine at the same time to make sure you're protected ahead of winter. 

The NHS may invite you for your booster, or you can ask your GP or book using the NHS app. 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. For older adults it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions. It spreads all year round and affects the airways and lungs. 

Since September 2024, the NHS has encouraged people who are aged 75-79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024, to get this vaccine. The vaccine will reduce the risk of severe symptoms and only one dose is needed.

Speak to your GP if you have not yet been invited to get this vaccine. 

If you do become unwell with a virus of any kind, it’s important to keep taking the medication prescribed to you for Parkinson's.

Our Clinical Director, Dr Donald Grosset, advises: "You should not suddenly stop taking your prescribed medication for Parkinson's, as that can cause additional problems. However, missing a small number of doses – because of vomiting, for example – will not cause you harm.

"Follow the advice given to you by your health professional who might adjust your tablets or dose, depending on your condition."

In some cases, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last for weeks or months after a person no longer has the virus. This is called long COVID.

Common symptoms of long COVID include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and chest pain or tightness.

Having Parkinson's does not increase your risk of getting long COVID.

However, research has shown that older people and those with certain underlying health conditions are more likely to develop long COVID.

For more information on long COVID and its symptoms, visit the NHS website.