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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)Comment receiving replies
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.
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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.