COVID Booster, Prednisone and PMR

I had Covid in August 2020 and the first Pfizer dose February 2 and right after started the pain from PMR. I was put on prednisone and symptoms were relieved. I'm doing the long slow taper - 1 mg per month - and am now at 9 mg. I didn't get the second shot. I asked my doc about getting the 2nd shot and neither my PCP nor the Rheumatologist knew whether or not I should get the shot. We did an antibody test and found that I have antibodies and I think from both having had Covid and the vaccine. My PCP decided I can wait and see before taking the 2nd shot. The rheumatologist would like me to be taking 5 mg or less per day when I get the 2nd shot. He also advised waiting to take the flu vaccine.

Hello - I had PMR triggered by the Pfizer Covid vaccine back in March. I went through the Prednisone treatments for 5 months and currently doing well. I have some morning stiffness, last Sed rate was 6. I have inquired about the Booster Shot and haven't got any real solid advice. Do you folks recommend that I get the Booster? Should I expect PMR to return? Should I immediately plan to go on Prednisone again or wait to see what happens? This is stressful trying to figure out the best path forward. Thanks

@cjh51, I have PMR but it is currently in remission. I've had both Pfizer COVID vaccines and am schedule to get the booster later this month. I'm sorry to hear that the vaccine caused your flare but happy to hear you are currently doing well on the prednisone. I really don't think there is anyone that can answer your question on will the PMR return. Here's some recent information that may answer a few questions for you.

COVID-19 vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine

My Dr. told me to get the booster since I have been on prednisone for 11 months and now am on Methotrexate as well. I had the 3rd dose of Moderna August 31st. Has anyone on these drugs had a test to see if they have covid antibodies from the covid vaccine? It would be nice to know if we have any immunity.

Interesting, years ago I got PMR about a month after a flu shot two years in a row, and then the next two years I did not get it after the flu shot, I got the Covid vaccine Pfizer two doses in January I am about 46 weeks later I got PMR in my legs and can hardly walk, prednisone taper over about two months and now I’m fine and I don’t know whether I should get the boosister, I don’t think anyone knows that answer

Typo, I meant to say After the Pfizer I meant I got PMR about 4 to 6 weeks after

I experienced an attack of PMR almost immediately after receiving my first Covid vaccination. I didn't realize the possibility that the shot caused the attack and went ahead with the second injection, after which I became unable to function without assistance. With the help of a rheumatologist, I was able to overcome most of the worst symptoms and taper off of prednisone. I no sooner accomplished this when the news came out that a booster shot was available. Of course, I was thrown into a quandary about whether I should risk another severe bout with PMR. The rheumatologist advised that individuals with autoimmune diseases like PMR are much more likely to have bad outcomes from Covid and that, in his opinion, it would be better to take the chance of another attack of PMR and go back on prednisone if necessary, than to risk having Covid. He further opined that my body had adjusted to the antibodies, since although they remained in my system, I had been able to overcome the PMR. With this encouragement, I went ahead with the booster and had no problems with it. Of course, everyone is different and my experience is not necessarily a guideline for others. I am a seventy-five year old woman and I have had two bouts of PMR thirteen years apart.

I developed PMR 24 hrs after 2nd Pfizer Covid 19 Vac. I will not take the booster unless an immunologist knows it’s safe. They are guessing thus far. I have been on Prednisone for 6 months trying to wean 2.5mg a month but a wk after reducing to 7.5mg the pain & stiffness returned. Back up to 11mg to make it tolerable but still limping & stiff. Weaning 1mg at a time as I can.

My PMR came back after my second Moderna vaccine. I had been taking prednisone for 14 months, prior for my first bout of PMR - was only off prednisone for 1 month. I’m now down to 8 mg, and chose to get the booster today. I’m hoping that the 8 mg will suppress any PMR reaction, but I’m prepared to go back up to 15 and wean down again, if it does. I’ll keep you posted.

I contracted PMR in June after my 2nd C-19 shot. I believe the C-19 shots caused my PMR as I was in Wuhan China on 11/1/2019 and easily recovered from what I picked up in China. I advise my Rheumatologist I would not take the booster, he agreed that it was too risky for me to take the Booster. I started on Prednisone @ 20 mg in July. Currently down to 5 mg in mid November 2021