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PMR and Flu Vaccine
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
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@juliemcgee62
So did you mean the PMR got worse? I am due to get a shingles vaccine before I begin Kevzara. Now I wonder if I should get it.
@caroljeand they said the Shingles vaccine woke up PMR in my system.
I don't think it was the flu shot that made me sick two weeks later. I think not wearing a mask and not cleaning my airline area. Lots of coughing on flight for 6 hr flight then sat in connecting airport for a total of 13 hour trip.
Shot just didn't kick in within two weeks. This Oct 2025 has been something. I haven't left the house for 18 days.
@juliemcgee62
I may just pass on the shingles vaccine. Plan on getting the updated pneumonia shot then I’m done. Going to hope to start kevzara in December.
Best wishes to you!
@grandmap , really feel your pain, literally! I’ve had a similar experience that I think triggered the PMR to begin with. Last year I got the regular flu vaccine, though they strongly suggest the senior dose! I refused. Somehow the medical community is not getting this information about some of us who cannot tolerate the vaccine, actually I think it’s the adjuvants used. The more data, the more they know but meanwhile we’re left to struggle. So frustrating, I’m not an anti vax person but am feeling reluctant. My rheumatologist wants me to take low dose prednisone for a couple of days before and after my vaccinations.
@caroljeand
I got shingles during covid and it damaged my eye permanently. It took over 2 years, a couple surgeries, and a fancy contact lens for me to be able to drive and see well again (not to mention thousands of dollars in doctor bills). I'd suggest getting the shots. It is scary to lose vision. I got the first shingles shot in May and came down with PMR 6 weeks later. No idea if they are connected. Now I'm due to get the 2nd shot and am still battling PMR. With my luck, it will make things worse but it is better than losing my vision from shingles. You can't win...
@sabelson
Thank you for your input. Maybe I’ll reconsider. There is no winning with this diagnosis!
My PMR started when I severely damaged my foot and needed 7 stitches. I’m sure it’s what triggered my PMR. I have a genetic link as my mother had it.
Best wishes to you!
@caroljeand
My mother had it too! I never gave it a second thought when she had it that I would someday get it. I didn't know it was genetic until I was diagnosed and started researching it. Best wishes to you too!
@karinaph I did take a higher dose of Prednisone after my vaccine, and I believe it made it worse. Since our bodies are trying to build up an immunity to the vaccine, and prednisone causes immune deficiency, I believe they work against each other. 10 days later, and I'm still in a PMR flare. But for the first days after the flu vaccine, our bodies need to develop that immunity. Yesterday I increased my Prednisone and felt a little better. However, I think that's because my body had settled down from building the immunity against the flu shot. I'm not a medical person at all, but there's such a thing as common sense, right?!
@sabelson
I would love to know how many cases actually have a genetic link. Very interesting!
I have warned my kids to be aware of any signs. Knowledge is power.
Not long ago I thought I had dodged the bullet but this foot injury triggered the gene. 😰