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PMR and Flu Vaccine

Posted by jed5 @jed5, Jul 30 9:42am

I contracted PMR October 2024, went through a very painful 2 months before getting it diagnosed in January 2025, and now successfully tapered off Prednisone after 6 months. My effected areas of hips, shoulders and neck while not painfully achey, they are not the same in terms of strength than before PMR. I have not ruled out that I contracted PMR from the flu vaccine I received in October 2024. Two questions:
1. Has anybody experienced post PMR body impacts such as tiredness or fatigue?
2. Do you get an annual flu vaccine?
John

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | 1 day ago
In reply to @cyndiefromnc "I can not remember where I heard this, but someone said to request the flu vaccine..." + (show)
Profile picture for cyndiefromnc @cyndiefromnc

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?

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@cyndiefromnc I've taken the stronger dose flu vaccine two years in a row and haven't had any issues. My body didn't react at all, which I think would be true for almost everyone on this forum, since they are taking immune suppressing drugs. Even with the stronger dose of vaccine, the vaccine won't be as effective for us because of the drugs we take.

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subway | @subway | 1 day ago
In reply to @subway "Answer to your questions, 1. yes, I have fatigue and just really tired after a flare..." + (show)
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Answer to your questions, 1. yes, I have fatigue and just really tired after a flare up. I try to rest more than usual and increase protein in my diet and that seems to help me get back on track. 2. I do get a flu shot every fall.

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Life with PMR is always a challenge, just have to try and stay positive.

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aisp3b | @aisp3b | 1 day ago
In reply to @dadcue "@cyndiefromnc The higher dose for seniors seems to be correct. Whether or not we should avoid..." + (show)
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@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

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@dadcue Last year the higher dose wiped me out and that was befor I had PMR.

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karinaph | @karinaph | 20 hours ago
In reply to @juliemcgee62 "I got the Shingles vaccine and it woke up PMR..I now take Methotrexate because Prednisone made..." + (show)
Profile picture for juliemcgee62 @juliemcgee62

I got the Shingles vaccine and it woke up PMR..I now take Methotrexate because Prednisone made me eat..I have no pain now!

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@juliemcgee62 I too had a reaction to the shingles vaccine and got PMR, though it took 6 months to get a proper diagnosis. That was 5 years ago. It has taken me 4.5 years to get off the prednisone completely. Had numerous flares. I still feel tired, but grateful I'm significantly better. Anti inflammatory diet helps. I'm debating the flu & covid boosters...

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