Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

Thanks for sharing. So your doctor is thinking something viral is the cause of your PMR and the occurrence of PMR is unrelated to your Moderna vaccine shots? Timing seems suspicious as it does in my case.

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I got my 2nd booster (4th Covid shot) in midMay. Within 2 weeks, I started feeling pain/stiffness in my hips, pelvis and knees in the morning and anytime I was stationary for a period of time (ex. driving in the car). Labs showed my C Reactive Protein to be elevated. Dr. diagnosed me with PMR and started Prednisone. Symptoms are better on Prednisone, but I am horrified at the thought of having to take Prednisone.

My First 3 shots were Pfizer, 4th shot was Moderna. After each shot, I had a couple of low days with various minor symptoms. I did notice that I had joint aches and stiffness following the shots, but these symptoms were easily managed with Aleve and after a few weeks resolved. I feel like the last shot - the Moderna - triggered my PMR.

Anyone else think their Covid vaccinations caused their PMR? I'm 64, active (yoga, hiking, fitness classes) and otherwise healthy.

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Yes. Neck and shoulder pain started after my first Pfizer vax in May 2021. This pain continued throughout the summer and I was buying different pillows, because I thought this was the cause of the neck pain. August 4, 2021, second Pfizer vax. 10 days later tried to get up out of bed, could not move arms or neck. Got into the tub and my daughter had to help me out. It escalated down right arm to right hand, which eventually looked like a claw. Very stiff and numb. I could not dress myself, I could not do my job because I couldn't grip the mouse. Had to wear carpal tunnel braces. Then it started down the left arm and into the left hand (which was not quite as bad). Escalated to my upper thighs and hips by November, 2021. Had to get a riser seat because I could not sit on the toilet, nor could I reach around. Completely dibilitated and still not diagnosed. Finally, my CRP was at 42 and the family doc believed me. Got me an urgent referral to a Neurologist. This, in Halifax, is almost impossible. He diagnosed me with PMR and the rest, as they say, is history. I have not gotten any more vaccinations, nor will I. Currently reducing the Prednisone. I am 72 and certainly not as active as I was. Back to work part time. If I overdo it one day, then I pay for it the next. Don't be afraid to rest if your body is tired. Some afternoons I have slept for 2 hours, sometimes it's just a power nap. This is a chronic, autoimmune disease and until it goes into remission (which could take years), you will experience quite the roller coaster ride. Stay with this group, it is so informative and you'll probably get more info than from a doctor or rheumatologist. There is another support group and I will link you:
https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk/posts/private/139984459/dl-information-for-new-and-maybe-not-so-new-patients-with-polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr-and-giant-cell-arteritis-gca
Hang in there ~ Deb.

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Thx - I joined the group you suggested. Hang in there!

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In 2016, I received an annual flu vaccine and a pnemonia shot from my doctor. The pain from the shot lasted for over a week. When I called the clinic they said it would be better in a couple of weeks. After about a week I began having a hard time getting out of bed, after another week I wasn't able to walk without the assistance of a cane. I called an ambulance one morning when I had to crawl to the bathroom. The first visit to the hospital left me with no diagnosis or cause of my pain. The second time, the ambulance took me to another hospital. After a diagnosis and consultation with a Rheumatologist, I was given a cortisone shot and my pain and paralysis disappeared immediately! I went through years of taking cortisone and then weaning off the cortisone. I had always suspected that the vaccine was the source of my PMR and now my suspicions are being recognized and confirmed. For the past 6 years everyone has told that a shot "couldn't trigger PMR".

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In 2016, I received an annual flu vaccine and a pnemonia shot from my doctor. The pain from the shot lasted for over a week. When I called the clinic they said it would be better in a couple of weeks. After about a week I began having a hard time getting out of bed, after another week I wasn't able to walk without the assistance of a cane. I called an ambulance one morning when I had to crawl to the bathroom. The first visit to the hospital left me with no diagnosis or cause of my pain. The second time, the ambulance took me to another hospital. After a diagnosis and consultation with a Rheumatologist, I was given a cortisone shot and my pain and paralysis disappeared immediately! I went through years of taking cortisone and then weaning off the cortisone. I had always suspected that the vaccine was the source of my PMR and now my suspicions are being recognized and confirmed. For the past 6 years everyone has told that a shot "couldn't trigger PMR".

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We need to find out where to report this because I’ve read that it’s unusual and not many cases being reported!! I want to report it so they know just how common it is!!

I know one thing for sure, no covid vaccine for me and never another flu shot!!

I saw a video that states that one of the side effects of the covid vaccine is autoimmune diseases. Beware!!

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I got my PMR after the Pfizer vaccine and I feel that it triggered the disease. Since my late 30's I got a yearly flu shot because I worked in health care. It wasn't required but was strongly encouraged by every employer. It seemed like the right thing to do to prevent my being a carrier and giving someone the disease. I also took every vaccine that was offered: shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis b, etc. About half the time the flu shots would make me ill for a couple of days. My theory is that it was too many vaccines for my immune system to handle and the Pfizer was the final straw. I probably have a genetic predisposition as well. My father had PMR and GCA. I have northern European heritage, which is a risk factor. My Ancestry DNA test lists England, Germany and Scandinavia as the top regions where my ancestors were from. No vaccines for me for now.

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