Need to decide to get a Covid Shot while I have PMR.

@johnhester, see this related discussion:
- Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-corona-virus-vaccine/

I also found this information:
EXERPT
Reference: "Can I have the vaccine if I am taking steroids?
It’s fine for you to have the vaccine while you’re taking steroids. There’s no reason to delay the vaccine if you’re taking steroids, or have recently had a steroid injection or finished a course of steroid treatment.

Taking steroids as tablets, liquids, injections or drips might mean that your immune system doesn’t respond as well to the vaccine as someone who isn’t taking these drugs. This means that you may be advised to follow advice on shielding and social distancing guidance after you have had it and if you may need a third dose of the vaccine as part of your initial course. Steroid creams or eye drops should not affect your immune system or response to the vaccine.

Your healthcare team might want to discuss delaying a dose of steroids or a steroid injection with you, especially if there is a high risk of getting COVID-19. It’s important that you don’t stop taking your steroid medication without speaking to a healthcare professional, as this can leave you at risk of having a flare-up, which can increase your risk of COVID-19." Read more here:
-- Vaccines for COVID-19 – your questions answered: https://versusarthritis.org/covid-19-updates/vaccines-for-covid-19-your-questions-answered/

Has your doctor suggested that you get the updated COVID shot?

I had a flare after my last vaccine; however, I consider the risk/benefit of contracting Covid. Discussing your full health picture with your practitioner would be a good idea. Best to you!

Thanks for your reply. Of course I will not stop prendisone. I really want to have a Covid shot but I read that quite a few have had severe reactons after the shot, but I will get it soon. I just do not believe there is clear information on the risk of a severe reaction if one has PMR and on steroids. There is a risk either way but the chance of getting Covid makes getting the shot worthwhile.

I had an adverse reaction to the Shringrix vaccination. It left me with PMR. That was 2019
Then COVID came along and the vaccine. I went and got my vaccination ASAP. You might plan to stay at the drug store or doctors office for 30 mins following your shot jic of an immediate reaction. I would also suggest you go to the ER if you start having multiple flu like symptoms that evening or the next day. Tell them your story. You can request a 24 observation if they aren't taking you seriously.
Your PCP and/or rheumy should be able to help you with any specific questions

I also had an adverse reaction to the Shingrix vaccine in March of 2021. I, too, developed PMR. It ruined my life.

I do not blame Shringrix, I blame my immune system. PMR means my life is very different. Interesting that I am now more selective in my activities and I appreciate the good times differently than before PMR. I hope you too can get to where each day is filled with joy for you.

Thanks for the reply. Good advice

I fail to see any advantage in taking a Covid vaccine, primarily becaue it isn't a vaccine. True vaccines prevent someone from contracting or spreading a diseaae. The Covid jab does neither. Nor, contrary to the spin, does it do anything to make symptoms milder if you do get Covid.

I woke up sick the morning following my second Pfizer jab and stayed sick for 8 weeks, During that time my PMR first reared its ugly head. The CDC is now calling many new cases of PMR and other autoimmune diseases "vaccine injuries." I've been advised by my rheumatologist not to take any vaccine, but I wouldn't have anyway. Btw, the CDC also says that the flu vaccine is believed to cause autoimmune diseases, too. There are already numerous class action suits about the Shingles vaccines.

Seems to me and many other folks that the only ones reaping any benefits from the so-called Covid vaccines are the big pharmas that are peddling them knowing the risks, possible side effects and shortcomings. Of course, anybody who believes they need to take one should do as they see fit. No judgement either way.

Covid scares the bejesus out of me. The news stories from four years ago are still fresh in my mind, the patients you could barely see for all the tubing, the refrigerator trucks used as temporary morgues. Also, also being past 80, I've noticed that my bounce-back time from *anything* seems extended. Didn't have any colds during those years when everyone was masked. Now, when I get them, they linger. These days when I wake up, I do a quick inventory: everything working? any new/worse niggly aches and pains? can I feel my toes? REALLY don't want anything covid-related.

It's been more than a year since PMR started, and it seems almost gone-ish, down to my last crumbs of Prednisone. Haven't had any negative reaction to two covid boosters other than mild soreness at the injection site for a day.

I have had PMR for two years and have had multiple vaccines for Covid. After my third bout, I developed long Covid, which is much much more disrupting than PMR. The vaccine may not prevent Covid, but I talk to people in the Long Covid clinic and those who did not get the vaccines are much more significantly impaired than I am. Some are wheelchair or bed bound.