PMR and Flu Vaccine

I know that we all puzzle over how we were unlucky enough to get PMR, especially since many of us had never even heard of it before we were diagnosed. I was a relatively healthy 62 year old, who annually got vaccinated for the flu, and the year I was diagnosed was no exception. I also received the COVID vaccine but am reluctant to blame my vaccines for my diagnosis. I am African American with 6% Norwegian in my DNA —who would think that was enough to matter but here I am 3 years later still trying to resolve PMR. I responded immediately to prednisone but the minute I began to taper my CRP/SED RATE would go right back up. Thankfully, Actemra has been a game changer for me. It is strange that we ended up in this spot but I hope that we are all finding ways to end the journey with PMR. May we all have more compassion for others dealing with daily pain. I know I will. Blessings! ❤️

Developed PMR (again) in August, but couldn't get into the Dr. for 6 wks. for script. In the meantime had flu vax and didn't notice anything significant. Since, I've also had the COVID vax with no side effects. It may be an individual thing.

@judyal

I got both Covid & flu vaccines on the same day on 10/5/25. I’m on 4 mgs of prednisone & methotrexate 15 mgs. I stopped the metho that Sunday of my shots but will resume this Sunday.
I am so happy I had no reactions to these shots. I anticipated chaos so laid low made no plans. Yet all is well.

Got the flu shot on Wednesday and couldn't sleep that night due to a very very sore arm at the injection site. But I am getting the older citizens dosage which could explain it. Took 2 days for the pain to go away. Still contemplating whether to get the Covid shot or not, what with the news about it and all.

@elizabethannr I got flu and Covid vaccine at same time, other than very sore arm for 2 or 3 days no problems. I’m on 7 1/2 m prednisone

I noticed several have mentioned sore arms. I'm an 80yo female, get the flu shot each year & all the past Covid shots. I have NEVER had a sore arm, because the minute they are finished, I start "windmilling" and slinging my arm all around for about 3 minutes. This distributes the vaccine. I don't care what people think, it beats a sore arm!! I've passed this to a 99 yo man (who had debilitating pain before), to elementary school-age children, to everyone in between and it's worked! Possibly this will work for my PMR comrades!

@bjtinok Last week had Covid and Flu shot and the pharmacist suggested exactly that - swing that arm and no sore arm

@sandiw77 Loved your post and attitude. We all are on different paths and that compassion for the pain of others is so important! I wonder if someday scientists will discover ways to separate PMR patients into different subgroups, which then may respond to specific treatments. Maybe that’s why some drugs work well for some but not others - we are different variations of the same disease.

I can not remember where I heard this, but someone said to request the flu vaccine that is NOT for the elderly. Hence, the senior's shot might be stronger? I'm not sure. I'll ask my rheumatologist, but honestly, she's so young I'm not sure how much experience she's had. It's hard to find a rheumatologist.

Anyone else hear that about the flu dosage?

@cyndiefromnc

The higher dose for seniors seems to be correct. Whether or not we should avoid the senior dose might be debatable. I didn't know there was a higher dose for seniors.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm