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

@lblauvel, I'm guessing no one will be able to provide a recommendation for folks with PMR and not on prednisone. I would put myself in that category since PMR really never just goes away but rather just goes into remission after treatment (just my non medical opinion). I get yearly flu shots and my only reaction has been a sore arm for a day at most. I am planning to get the COVID vaccine when it's my turn but I'm not sure when that will be.

I haven't been keeping up with my Facebook friends at all. I got my vaccine yesterday! No prior appt. until yesterday. My husband got on the computer and contacted Kroger. They told me to be there within the hour. I got it and was very happy. Then later I looked at my mail from my insurance company. It stated I had a prednisone shot in December. I had a terrible night last night. I woke up wondering how long prednisone stays in your system. I had the shot on December 1. I took a lot of it in tablet form this summer for nasal swelling. Anyway, I do suffer from anxiety in addition to many other things. So, I woke up at 2:30 am and got on the computer researching how long this lasts in your system. Only hours, from what I read. I hope it's true. I feel foggy now. I know I need a good night's sleep--I haven't had one in years--due to sleep apnea. Can't wear mask--can't breathe through swollen nasal passages and severely deviated septum. I haven't had any reactions from the vaccine. My arm is sore anyway.

@woogie, Have you considered getting a Septoplasty to correct the deviated septum? I've often thought about it but mine still allows me to breathe somewhat normal most of the time but I do have issues frequently.

- Septoplasty: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670
- Repaired Deviated Septum is a Breath of Fresh Air: https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/02/22/repaired-deviated-septum-is-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

<p>Why is there a concern over taking Prednisone and getting the Covid Vaccine? As a patient, what if any information has your Dr. given you?</p>

Hello @ppr, I see you are interested in learning why there is a concern taking Prednisone and getting the COVID vaccine. Members such as @woogie @irishdancer @ncgal have all recently been sharing about their thoughts/experiences with regard to Prednisone in conjunction with the COVID vaccine.

Are you preparing for your vaccine?

Yes, presently I'm on 5mg prednisone and wonder if you keep taking your dose or slack off the day before your vaccine. I read other articles about stopping Advil and Tylenol two days prior so wondered about prednisone.

@pampep thank you for sharing your additional information to allow other members to share their experiences. You will notice that I did remove your personal email address so as to keep you safe from potential spammers. Should you need to take a conversation into a more private setting, you may private message on this site with other members.

While we wait for other members to share what they have learned regarding Prednisone prior to the COVID vaccine, have you reached out to your doctor to get specific recommendations for you?

I did reach out to my rheumatologist and I got a generic answer back that the providers in that office recommend all patients get the covid vaccine when available. They feel the benefits out weight the risks. I should have been more specific about which drug I am taking. So, I will chat them again and let you know. Also, Thxs for addressing my email error.

My daughter is on prednisone to control intractable asthma after a recent virus. She is also a nurse, and was directed by her hospital to get her vaccine as scheduled, which she did 2 weeks ago, with no particular issues except a sore arm and achiness the next day. She will be receiving the second dose next week.
Sue

I have have been diagnosed with Very Severe COPD and take 10 MG of Prednisone every day. I am not able to stop taking it even for a short while. My Pulmonologist told me the same thing.
I had my Vaccine last Monday, with no problems. My concern is that I have read it might not offer the protection it is intended to offer if you have been taking Prednisone. That, I guess is one if those things we will learn more about as time moves forward.