Covid 19 Vaccines and Parkinson Disease

Vaccination prepares your body to defend itself against germs it may encounter.
Two types of vaccines are currently available in Quebec:

– COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine
– COVID-19 viral vector-based vaccine

The following messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19 are currently available in Quebec:

– Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
– Moderna vaccine

The virus that causes COVID-19 is composed of a strand of genetic material, RNA (ribonucleic acid), surrounded by an envelope. On the surface of the virus are proteins, including the S protein (spike protein) that gives it its crown shape, hence the name coronavirus. The S protein allows the virus to infect cells in the human body. COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines block the S protein, preventing the virus from entering and infecting human cells.

Number of doses

Two doses of COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine are required. These two doses are administered intramuscularly. In the current environment of very high spread of COVID-19, the administration of the 2nd dose can be delayed to allow more people to be vaccinated.

The following viral vector-based vaccines are currently available in Quebec:

– AstraZeneca vaccine
– Serum Institute of India (SII) Covishield vaccine

These two vaccines are considered equivalent since they are produced using the same formulation, provided by AstraZeneca, following a technology transfer to the SII company.

The COVID-19 viral vector-based vaccines also block the S protein, preventing the virus from entering and infecting human cells.

Number of doses

Two doses of COVID-19 virus vector-based vaccine are required. Both doses are administered intramuscularly. In the current environment of very high spread of COVID-19, the administration of the 2nd dose can be delayed to allow more people to be vaccinated.

They are equivalent. Both vaccines were made with the same technology (messenger RNA). The United States Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that they work in pretty much the same way. The side effects are relatively the same.

All the vaccines are approved by Health Canada. Canada places great importance on the safety of vaccines, both before and after authorization. Thus, COVID-19 vaccines are subject to the same quality and safety standards as any other vaccine used in Canada.

After the 1st dose, the messenger RNA vaccine is 92% effective. The 2nd dose is primarily for long-term protection. The vaccine is estimated to be 95% effective after two doses.

After the 1st dose, the viral vector vaccine is about 60% effective in preventing disease and 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations. The 2nd dose is primarily for long-term protection. The effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing disease after the 2nd dose is over 80%.

These vaccines do not protect against the common cold and against respiratory infections caused by other viruses, such as the flu.

Visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign page to find out how to get vaccinated.

https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/deroulement-vaccination-contre-la-covid-19/

Vaccination against COVID-19 will be free and will be carried out solely by the Québec Immunization Program. It will not be possible to obtain doses through the private market. Any electronic or telephone communication offering a COVID-19 vaccine for a fee is fraudulent.

Vaccination is recommended as a priority for people who are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, notably people aged 70 and over who live in CHSLDs. Vaccines will be available gradually. Some people will be vaccinated before others. Seniors and those with certain chronic diseases have a higher risk of developing complications and dying from COVID-19. As more vaccines become available in Canada, vaccination will be extended to more and more people.

The proposed prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated is preliminary. The order is as follows:

1. Vulnerable people with a great loss of autonomy who reside in long-term care centres (CHSLDs) or in intermediate resources (IR) and family-type resources (FTR).
2. Workers in the health and social services network in contact with users.
3. Autonomous people or people with diminishing autonomy who live in a private seniors’ residence (PSR) or in certain closed areas housing the elderly.
4. Isolated and remote communities.
5. People aged 80 or over.
6. People between the ages of 70 to 79.
7. People between the ages of 60 to 69.
8. Adults under the age of 60 who have a chronic disease or a medical condition that increases the risk of complications from COVID-19.
9. Adults under 60 without chronic diseases or medical conditions increasing the risk of complications, but who provide essential services and are in contact with users.
10. The rest of the adult population.

A recent report prepared by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (a professional organization of clinicians, scientists and other health professionals specializing in movement disorders) concludes that:
 « 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».

MDS COVID-19 Vaccine Statement for Patients (movementdisorders.org)

Authorized mRNA vaccines and vector-based vaccines under development induce immunization by mechanisms that do not interact with the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson’s disease.

Data from phase III of the authorized vaccines showed that the types of side effects experienced by patients with Parkinson’s disease and the incidence of such effects were not different from those seen in the general population.

Side effects are mainly local and occur in the area of ​​the injection. The vaccine penetrates the muscle. The most likely side effect is arm pain for a few days, with full use of the arm. The majority of reactions are mild and short-lived. Reactions are less common in people over 55 years old. Vaccines cannot cause COVID-19 because it does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease.

Like other immunizations, vaccination against COVID-19 does not interfere with medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Although COVID-19 vaccines protect against the severe form of the disease, it is possible that vaccinated people could contract the virus and be asymptomatic carriers. Data suggests that COVID-19 is much less likely to be fatal after receiving both doses of the vaccine. For this reason, it is important to continue following public health measures until a majority of the population has been vaccinated. Physical distancing of two meters, wearing a mask or face covering and washing one’s hands are habits to be maintained until further notice.

All signs point to yes. In the event that a person is currently ill or has been ill in the past, the vaccine could prevent the development of severe symptoms if reinfected.

Yes, and you must do so until further notice. You must wear a mask and respect social distancing after receiving the vaccine. Even with the vaccine, you can get COVID-19 and spread it. If you don’t wear a mask, you could pass the virus on to someone else without even knowing it.

It is important to follow the guidelines set by the Public Health. Currently, the most prudent choice is to stay within your family bubble. If this is not possible, follow public health measures.

We are just starting to learn about the clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and about COVID-19. A study in Italy reported that both motor and non-motor symptoms seemed to worsen with COVID-19 and that an adjustment of medications was needed in a third of people with Parkinson’s disease and COVID-19. The researchers hypothesized that the infection from COVID-19, the drugs for Parkinson’s disease, and the immune system create together the perfect storm for worsening the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The most frequently encountered symptoms were urinary problems, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and confusion. We are seeing many patients who have been affected by COVID-19 and who need their Parkinson’s disease medications to be adjusted.

Data suggests that having Parkinson’s disease means a more difficult recovery from COVID-19. As this virus is still actively spreading, we are collecting tons of data on patients with COVID-19. A study from the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa showed that people with Parkinson’s disease who contracted COVID-19 have a 30% increased risk of mortality (death) due to the virus.