My first Moderna vac 1/22/21 initiated me to PMR. I was diagnosed within a couple weeks. So the connection to the vaccine seems obvious. In researching, I found articles that suggested a connection between PMR and vaccinations or viruses acting as triggers. Looks like a Bingo.
Back in Feb. my GP and my Rheumatologist couldn’t say whether it would be appropriate for me to get the second Moderna dose due in late Feb, so I have waited. On my second visit with my Rheumatologist last week, he suggested I go for the second shot. He speculates that the prednisone I am taking may protect me from a kicked up inflammation by the Covid vax? Note: I am still dealing with this initial exacerbation and trying to reduce my pred from my current 20 mg (started at 40mg in Feb). Am considering that a replay of that inflammatory response doesn’t sound like a risk I should take when I am STILL inflamed?
But at his suggestion, I went ahead and checked into the the on-site clinic he told me to try. It was using Pfizer but the nurse thought since I was outside the 4 -6 wk window for the 2nd Moderna shot, that the Moderna had been processed out of me, and I should begin over by taking both the first and eventually the second Pfizer vaccines she had. I adjourned to do more research.
But hearing of these PMR exacerbations in this group, I am disinclined — it seems no medical science has been exploring and tracking our particular difficulties. We are on our own.