COVID-19 Vaccine
| February 16, 2021
Many of our support group members have been asking a lot of questions about COVID-19, the COVID-19 vaccine, and patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). While living with Parkinson’s does not put you at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, it does make it harder to recover if you contract it. PFP is here to support you through these uncertain times and provide resources to answer many of your questions.
The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society released their official vaccine statement, recommending individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care givers to obtain the vaccine as soon as it is readily available. the However, it is important for you to speak with your doctor to see if the vaccine is right for you.
Tennessee COVID-19 Information
Tennessee health care providers are now distributing COVID-19 vaccinations to Tennesseans across the state. Tennessee’s phased approach to administering COVID-19 vaccines is based on individual’s risk and age. For the most up to date information on vaccines and locations you can visit https://covid19.tn.gov/.
If you know someone that is in the age group to receive the vaccine but does not have a way to sign up for it, please reach out to them to see if you can be of help. We continue to hear that there is vaccine that is going to waste because people are not signing up. We also know that some of the elderly in the rural areas do not have access to computers or internet to sign up. These are the people that need our help.
Avoid Vaccine Scams
As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, you must be vigilant about potential scams. Below are signs of potential scams:
- You are asked to pack out of pocket to receive the vaccine.
- You are asked to pay to put your name of a vaccine waiting list.
- Vaccine advertisements through social media platforms, email, telephone calls from unsolicited/unknown sources.
And NEVER give out your personal information to unknown sources.
Parkinson’s & The Vaccine
Earlier this year, The Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a Facebook Live event featuring Dr. Michael S. Okun. He answered some of the community’s most pressing questions about the vaccine. Watch the video below:
