Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

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!!

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.

Hi @patriciaco, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear that you developed PMR after getting a flu vaccine and pneumonia shot. It's ugly no matter how you get it. How long did it take you to finally taper off of the cortisone?

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.

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".

Same thing happened with my husband. Second covid vac...full blown PMR!

These comments have been very helpful for me. I have been treated for PMR since December 2020. I have had all 4 covid vaccines available. I thought it was my imagination when following each shot I experience an increase in severity of PMR symptoms that.lasted 6 weeks. I am really reluctant to take the latest vaccine when it.comes available but I am in the high risk category and support the.vaccine.program generally . I will have to talk to rheumatologist, but may decline for as.long as.possible.

I am still on prednisone. Started at 20 mg. I am now at 3 mg and tapering 1 mg every 2 months. I was curious when reading comments how it seems many people have been pain free on treatment. That has never been the case for me. My rheumatologist is guided by my chemistries as opposed to subjective report of experience. My pain has always been between 4 and 7 with much at upper end. I cannot take tylenol, or advil kinds of drugs. I will say the higher range of pain is diminishing. Perhaps I misinterpreted the other comments re pain. Thx for your feedback.