COVID Booster, Prednisone and PMR

Medicare paid for mine. Thanks for letting us know.

They are free

I spoke to my rheumatologist and he said because I have been on prednisone over six years (even at a low dose) he recommends getting a third vaccine. I have one scheduled through CVS.I am relieved to be able to get one so quickly.

Yes, after I got PMR after the first shot 6 months ago, my rheumatologist suggested I wait before getting the second. After 6 months I’m still taking 15 mg prednisone but he suggested I take the second vaccine now. I’ve been hesitant because I’ve read that people taking prednisone don’t make antibodies after the shot— but he thinks I should anyway. I haven’t decided yet.

I've been on prednisone (Starting at 10mg in Jan 2020, down to 1 and then back up to 5) for 19 months. I had the 2 vaccines in March. I spoke with my rheumatologist yesterday and she said I should get the booster. I have an appointment today. I'll let you know how it goes!!

I’ve had PMR since June 2019 & am a 5 yr cancer (uterine) survivor. I’m tapering down Pred from 20mg, am currently @ 7mg. I’m going down .5 mg every 2 1/2 wks. During second wk I alternate: old dose one day, new dose next day to see how my body tolerates new dose —so far this has worked for me. If my pain level is too uncomfortable, I stay @ old dose a few more days & then resume taper— sometimes I just hang in with the pain & my body adjusts. My primary care doc thinks I should get the booster, but to wait until I’ve tapered down the Pred further, hoping the less Pred in my body the more protection I’ll get from the booster. I did have the antibody test & it confirmed I had developed antibodies after being fully vaccinated. I have very recently developed Type 2 diabetes from the Pred & am on anti inflammatory-diabetic diet, along with exercise to address & hopefully reverse the diabetes. So, onward & upward!!—this is the course I’m on! My heart is with my fellow PMR sufferers—God bless!

I'm a little confused. On our local news last night they were mentioning the difference between the "booster" and "third vaccine". If I understood it right, the "booster" is to be given 8 months after the initial vaccines for people without autoimmune problems, and the "third" dose is for people with autoimmune problems that can be given 28 days after original vaccines.. Is there a difference in the strengths of these vaccines?

Ncgal, I believe it is the same vaccine and dosage. The difference involves who you are (immunocompromised or not) and when you can get it (now vs. eight months after your second shot).

Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group explains this and more in this podcast.
- Breaking down the booster terminology for COVID-19 vaccines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/breaking-down-the-booster-terminology-for-covid-19-vaccines/

On this topic of the booster...not the make up of the booster but getting it period. I saw my Immunologist last week. I had been on steroids (10 mg/day for 4 weeks) prescribed by my Rheumatologist. My questions related to "Do I need the booster given I am on steroids and given several other immune liabilities?" (Other liabilities: monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified origin; prior pancreatic cancer 5 years ago treated with surgery (and spleen removal) and chemo, etc. and the fact of a low IgM for years...very low for unknown reasons and a not too good functioning IgG). Given all this what would his recommendation be? 1. He said I am at the "highest" risk for Covid (I am double vaxed) and should get the booster ASAP. After we talked, I asked what about testing to see if I have antibodies from the shot...he approved of the idea despite CDC saying we don't know what levels mean in the test results. We agree that would be our guide as to when (not if) I get #3. Well, unexpectedly to both of us I am in GREAT shape...high antibodies (not from infection) and so I can wait until the immunity wanes around October. I will likely as for the antibodies to be checked again as I happen to have gotten PMR 2 weeks after the 2nd Moderna shot and hunch it tripped of the reaction. I am 77. What is reassuring is that I did mount an immune response (tho was not on steroids at the time of the shots) despite all the various things NOT in my favor. I prefer NOT to add another shot to this picture unless my antibodies go way way...and they may....then I will risk the 3 rd anyway. Hope this might be useful to some on this list. Sharon

My husband had PMR flare about 2 weeks after his 2nd Moderna shot. In hindsight, he’d probably been suffering from PMR but it wasn’t severe until his immune system went into overdrive. After 2 weeks in the hospital while they ruled everything else out, he was given 20 mg of prednisone which turned things around.