COVID-19 Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives – they will also help us return to more “normal” day-to-day lives; which includes in-person programming. Today we answer the COVID-19 and vaccination questions you have been asking us!
Yes, the vaccine is safe for people with Parkinson’s. There is no current evidence suggesting any negative impact on the disease itself or interactions with Parkinson’s medications. In fact, people with Parkinson’s are considered high-risk for COVID-19 and are strongly recommended to get vaccinated.
The Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services has laid out the following vaccination plan
CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE
- Phase 1 – those born 1946 or earlier (75 yrs of age or older)
- Phase 2A
- those born between 1947 – 1956 (74 yrs – 65 yrs of age)
- those who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit born between 1962 – 1971
UPCOMING
- Phase 2B (Begins April 2021)
- Those born between 1957 – 2005 (64 yrs – 16 yrs of age) WHO ALSO have any one of the following high-risk underlying conditions:
- This includes people with Chronic Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, MS, Dementia, etc.
- More high-risk conditions can be found on the government’s website https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx
- Those born between 1957 – 2005 (64 yrs – 16 yrs of age) WHO ALSO have any one of the following high-risk underlying conditions:
- Phase 2C (Begins after Phase 2B is complete)
- This phase includes Caregivers/Care Partners of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes (regardless of age)
- All designated family/support people of those individuals in long term care, designated supportive living and licensed supportive living facilities.
- This phase includes Caregivers/Care Partners of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes (regardless of age)
- Phase 2D (Begins after Phase 2C is complete)
- those born between 1957 – 1971 (64 yrs – 50 yrs of age)
- those who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit born between 1972 – 1986
- Phase 3 (Begins this Summer)
- All other Albertans (including Parkinson Association of Alberta Staff)
There are a variety of ways to book your vaccination appointment:
- Online booking through Alberta Health Services (https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17295.aspx)
- Call Health Link at 8-1-1
- At a participating pharmacy – find one here (https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program-information.php)
One of our Client Services Coordinators will be happy to help you book an appointment or find a pharmacy if you are having difficulties.
As nicer weather begins to brighten those chilly winter days we are looking forward to once again offering in person outdoor socials this summer (Jun – Aug) in accordance with AHS and Government guidelines. And, using the best judgement we have available today we are aiming to resume our indoor programming this September.
