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Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 29, 2022 | Replies (299)
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@virginiaj

I have had WBC and neutrophil counts and they have been low for over 15 years. I don’t have GCA, but currently on my 3rd bout of PMR, currently working on reducing prednisone from 5 to 4 milligrams. I have seen 2 hematologists (changed jobs and health care systems so got work-up in both). A cause for low WBC never found, so now just monitor 2 times a year. During this time, I have had yearly flu shots, 2 Shingrix shots, DPT with no problems. I am more scared of Covid than vaccine.

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Replies to "I have had WBC and neutrophil counts and they have been low for over 15 years...."
chris1949 | @chris1949 | Jan 6, 2021

Good information. I was diagnosed with PMR in April of 2019. Started out on 60mg of prednisone, quickly down to 40mg, then 20,10,5 and now for 3 months at 2.5 mg. I seem to be symptom free. Just started hydroxychloroquine, 400 mg a day. Feeling great.
Got the senior flu vaccine in October...no problems. Got the first shingrix vaccine in November and am waiting for the second. My big question that even my rheumatologist team has not yet answered: as PMR is an autoimmune disease, and the vaccines are designed to ramp up your immune system, will the COVID vaccine cause severe side effects and a return of the PMR symptoms? I am scheduled for the first Pszyer (sp?) shot tomorrow morning, and a little nervous.

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