1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

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

Posted by ncgal @ncgal, Nov 19, 2020

Just wondering if anyone has found out if it is okay to get the corona virus vaccine once it comes out. I'm 78, so past the 65+ age for early vaccinations, plus having the autoimmune diagnosis. I don't see my rheumatologist for another two months but guess I'll call him to find out if t comes to that. Just thought I'd see if anyone else has found out. I had no problem with the flu shot.

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ncgal | @ncgal | Jan 7, 2021
In reply to @chris1949 "Thank you. I just heard from my doctor's team (he is on vacation). They recommended that..." + (show)
@chris1949

Thank you. I just heard from my doctor's team (he is on vacation). They recommended that I get the COVID vaccine but then stop the prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for 2 weeks. And then again for 2 weeks after the second COVID shot. I guess I will be a guinea pig and suffer (or not) the consequences. I will stay in touch. First shot is scheduled for Thursday 1/7/21.

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Chris, please let us know how you feel after getting the covid vaccine. M y rheumatologist said they were still looking at the data. The vaccine is now in our area and I am the next on the list to get it (78). Tried calling for an appointment but none were left. Will t ry a gain next week.

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artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 7, 2021
In reply to @karinaph "Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you well tomorrow. I too ha e GCA and PMR..." + (show)
@karinaph

Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you well tomorrow. I too ha e GCA and PMR and have some trepidation about the vaccine, but know that I must take it too. Not offered in my community in my age bracket, so I’m likely several weeks away, if not a few months. Stay well everyone.

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Hello @karinaph. Thankyou for your reply. Because you have GCA and PMR, before you decide to have the Covid vaccine, please check with your medical team for guidance. Stay well.

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karinaph | @karinaph | Jan 7, 2021

Thank you for your advise. I will be doing so. I’m going to listen to a webinar next week offered thru UCSF on covid vaccine and those facing auto immune disorders. I’ll share the insights here after the webinar next Thursday. Take care everyone.

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1 reply
igolf | @igolf | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @karinaph "Thank you for your advise. I will be doing so. I’m going to listen to a..." + (show)
@karinaph

Thank you for your advise. I will be doing so. I’m going to listen to a webinar next week offered thru UCSF on covid vaccine and those facing auto immune disorders. I’ll share the insights here after the webinar next Thursday. Take care everyone.

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Please send the link to this webinar. I’m a former resident of the East Bay and have been treated at UCSF. THANKS!

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2 replies
ncgal | @ncgal | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @chris1949 "Thank you. I just heard from my doctor's team (he is on vacation). They recommended that..." + (show)
@chris1949

Thank you. I just heard from my doctor's team (he is on vacation). They recommended that I get the COVID vaccine but then stop the prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for 2 weeks. And then again for 2 weeks after the second COVID shot. I guess I will be a guinea pig and suffer (or not) the consequences. I will stay in touch. First shot is scheduled for Thursday 1/7/21.

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Hi Chris. I also just heard from my rheumatologist team who said I should take the vaccine BECAUSE of my PMR and Prednisone. No mention of taking me off Prednisone after the shot. I am presently on 4 mgs. and am holding at that for awhile. I know if I stopped taking that "cold turkey" I would be having problems. Let us know how you make out.

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chris1949 | @chris1949 | Jan 8, 2021

Thanks for all your communications. I stopped the prednisone and hydroxychloroquine yesterday and received the first shot at 8:30 AM Jan.7th.. No meds last evening and no side effects, just a little ache at the injection site. No PMR symptoms have returned...yet. I agree, get the vaccination. If my PMR symptoms return I'll try Tylenol or Aleve until I can talk to my doctor.

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karinaph | @karinaph | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @igolf "Please send the link to this webinar. I’m a former resident of the East Bay and..." + (show)
@igolf

Please send the link to this webinar. I’m a former resident of the East Bay and have been treated at UCSF. THANKS!

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I’ll find the link, you have to register. I’ll get back to you.

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karinaph | @karinaph | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @igolf "Please send the link to this webinar. I’m a former resident of the East Bay and..." + (show)
@igolf

Please send the link to this webinar. I’m a former resident of the East Bay and have been treated at UCSF. THANKS!

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https://multiplesclerosis.ucsf.edu/patient_and_families/covid_19
Here is the link, it is offered thru the MS center, but I think can be useful from the standpoint of taking immunosuppressive meds. It’s Wednesday at 5:30 PST

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vernl | @vernl | Jan 12, 2021

Two years ago Flu Shot gave me PMR. Took 6 months to recover. I'm scheduled to take COVID Vaccine shot this Friday. Will keep this group posted on what happens.

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1 reply
irishdancer | @irishdancer | Jan 12, 2021

Hi. I have PMR weaning down on prednisone. I am now at 4 mg I got my moderna COVID vaccine today. So far no side effects not even a sore arm. Will keep you posted.

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