My wonderful* doctor told me to wait until I was off Prednisone before getting a vaccine. I hesitate to dip into the chemical stew. Last year, perhaps coincidentally or perhaps not, after receiving my flu and COVID vaccines I came down with a chest cold and then a PMR flare--my first, after ten years of pain-free living. I am over 2 months off Prednisone. My doctor suggested beginning in November I might consider a flu shot, ("I am not anti-vaccine!" says she.) The reason to wait until November was that the protection from flu shots does not last long and I should wait until the flu season revs up. I don't want another flare, so I hesitate. I am going to take it up with my naturopath to weigh in her opinion, my exposure to viruses, etc.

*My doctor is "wonderful" because she and I are on the same page as far as minimizing the amounts of medication taken, instead focusing on building a healthy body. Come to think of it, I am learning how to garden in that same vein: fewer chemicals (if any applications at all). Instead, tending the health of the soil microbes to better feed the plants. So now I follow an anti-inflammatory diet, do gentle exercise and allow for ample rest; reduce stress and try to keep in balance. use 8-hour arthritis-strength acetaminophen as needed (once or twice/day, if at all). Gardening is hard work!