Coronavirus (Covid) vaccines and dementia

Should people affected by dementia have the Covid vaccine?

Vaccines are the best way to protect people affected by dementia from coronavirus.

People who have been vaccinated are much less likely to become seriously ill. 

A person can have the vaccine no matter what medicines they are taking for their dementia. All brands of Covid vaccine licensed in the UK are effective and suitable for people with dementia.

It is a person’s choice whether or not to have the vaccine, but it is strongly recommended.

For information about the safety and side effects of the Covid vaccines, visit the NHS website.

Who can have the coronavirus vaccines?

The coronavirus vaccine is usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from Covid. 

You may be offered a coronavirus vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over
• have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home

Your GP or hospital specialist will write to you inviting you to book a booster when it is your turn.

If you think you're eligible for a booster but you haven’t been contacted, contact your GP or hospital specialist. 

Use the NHS website to book your coronavirus vaccine, manage an appointment and find out more information.

Consent to Covid vaccination

Some people living with dementia will have lost the ability to decide whether to have the vaccine or not.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) is the law in England and Wales that protects people who lack capacity to make a decision.

If the person still has mental capacity to decide

The MCA says that it must be assumed that the person has capacity (is able) to decide unless we have reasonable doubt. If there is reason to doubt their capacity, this needs to be assessed by an appropriate person, often their GP.

The person with dementia should have as much support as possible to make their own decision. If they have capacity, they can choose whether to have the vaccine or not. Their decision must be respected, even if it seems unwise to others.

In order for the person to give informed consent, their health professional should explain the benefits, risks and side-effects of the vaccine clearly. The professional must communicate in the way that works best for the person and consider how quickly or reliably they are able to process the information.

Can the Covid vaccine make dementia worse?

There is no evidence that any of the coronavirus vaccines make dementia worse.

There is also no evidence that the coronavirus vaccine can make someone who doesn’t have dementia more likely to develop the condition. 

If the person no longer has mental capacity to decide

The person with dementia may need support to make decisions. This could mean communicating with them at a time when they are most alert, and giving them information in a way they can understand.

If the person does not have mental capacity to make the decision themselves, then a ‘best interests’ decision about vaccination will need to be made on their behalf. Best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 involves looking at what the person themselves would have wanted if they were able to decide. The person should still be involved as much as they can. 

If the person with dementia has appointed an attorney for health and welfare, they will be responsible for the decision, in consultation with professionals.

Otherwise, the decision will be made by health professionals who will also consult with the people closest to the person with dementia. The best interests decision-making must focus on the individual person and include looking at the risks and benefits of them having or not having the vaccine.

The best interests decision must also take into account the person’s past and present wishes and feelings. For example, have they previously held strong views against vaccines or have they tended to follow the advice of the doctor? 

Care homes may have an interest in all its residents being vaccinated but must not override a best interests decision.