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

Try to stay positive, but I sure understand the feeling

Good morning. I have PMR, weaning down, now at 3 mg. I had my first moderna covid vaccine shot last week with no side effects. I had a lengthy conversation with my Rheumatologist and someone who actually assisted with the design and implementation of the clinical trial. I am retired from the CDC and knew some of the scientists working on the study. The epidemiologists said that the only people that should not get the vaccine according to the results of the study are those who have serious allergic reactions and they are now wondering about very elderly with a terminal illness. My rheumatologist strongly suggested I get the vaccine. So far, so good. I have heard the second dose sometimes causes more side effects. I will keep you posted.

Good news. I am wondering...did your Rheumatologist recommend halting the prednisone while getting the vaccine?

Excellent info. Thanks. Interesting new data on moderna vaccine, propylene glycol possible allergies I. A small %. I’m looking forward to the J & J adenovirus vaccine. Should get approved in early Feb if data shows well. One vaccine.

I'd like to know that too, Chris. I have been reading several accounts on here that their rheumatologist suggested to stop taking the Prednisone after getting the shot. Mine said to take it BECAUSE I was on the steroid and because of the PMR. I got my first vaccine last Saturday and have had no side effects at all, not even a sore arm. I get my second vaccine on Feb. 6th.

@irishdancer, Happy for your first moderna vacc shot and that you also did not have side effects. Also good news to hear from a member who actually talked with scientists working on the study. Thank you for your years with the CDC. Your organization has worked so hard on studying/approving the vaccines and on keeping the public at large informed. I so regret the criticism directed against it and other U.S. dept staffs burnng midnight oil to bring this to fruition in a miraculous few number of monts! We Americans can be so quick to criticize and so slow to sometimes appreciate the dedication of those who work to ensure our health and safety.

I'm scheduled for my second Moderna in early Feb. and will also post my reactions if any. Thanks for your post!

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, CDC has had a tough year for many reasons, although I do have high hopes with the new Administration and the new CDC Director. Good luck on your second dose as well! I have an appointment for my second dose but am worrying about supply. What a mess this has been!

I have had PMR for 4 yrs now. I have been off & on Prednisone during that time. I have been off Prednisone for 11 months now. When I got my last flu vaccination, 2 yrs ago, I became flush and lightheaded. Should I be concerned about getting my COVID vaccination? I just turned 70.

Hello @lblauvel, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that we merged your post with an existing discussion on the same topic. I also have PMR but it is currently in remission. I am 77 and plan to get the COVID vaccine as soon as it is available for me. It's great to hear that you have been off of prednisone for almost a year and that your PMR is in remission. If you have any questions or just want to learn what others have shared about polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), you might want to read through some of the posts in the following discussions:

- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr-meet-others-share-your-story/
- PMR Anyone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-anyone/

When you had your last flu vaccine 2 years ago and had side effects, did you mention them to your doctor? I was just wondering if your doctor may have some insight into the side effects.

Hi. Thanks for responding.
It took place in her office. She wasn’t concerned. She just had me stay and be observed for another 10 min. or so.
Prior to PMR I had no adverse reaction to flu shots. The first flu shot after PMR, I had slight lightheadedness, and then as I said, the next year my reaction was a bit more severe, flushing and more lightheadedness. I did not get a flu vaccine last year nor this. Being retired, I’m very quarantined.
My understanding is that the COVID vaccine, not being a live vaccine like flu shots, does not cause that same reaction, but am still concerned and was hoping for a bit more information about recommendations for PMR patients, not on Prednisone, and the COVID shot.
I’m off Prednisone because I became pre-diabetic. Off prednisone I have been able to get my weight back down to the 120s and my blood sugar back to normal. My PMR is not in remission, but tolerable. Morning extra-strength Excedrin helps.