Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

I had 3 Pfizer shots but for my 4th shot decided to “mix it up” and got Moderna. I have had aches and pains after each shot that lasted several months but nothing like I experienced after the 4th shot. Within a week I started feeling aches and stiffness - and it got much worse. Especially in my hips, pelvis, and knees. Had problems sleeping and whenever I was stationary for 1/2 hour or more (gardening, driving) it was difficult to move. Told my doctor about symptoms- he ran a ton of blood tests and my C reactive protein came back very high indicating inflammation. He diagnosed PMR (fortunately no GCA). I started at 40 mg, dropped to 30 mg and am now at 20 mg. Rechecking CRP in a couple weeks. Prednisone has eliminated symptoms but I want to get off it ASAP. I am convinced the Moderna shot ( which has 3X the amount of rna as Pfizer shot) triggered my PMR. I am not getting the current Covid shot or my flu shot until I’m off prednisone. I am 64.

My primary care doctor got me a referral to a Mayo rheumatologist when I had my first occurrence of PMR. If you are not currently a Mayo Clinic patient, you can contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

Thank you for this post! Last April I had my second Moderna shot and came down with PMR and giant cell arteritis within a month. Never had any of these issues all my life and I am 66 years old. I am currently on a tapering of prednisone. Going to see my doctor rheumatologist this Wednesday to discuss the process, trying to stay hopeful ..

Thank you for your post, all of my symptoms of PMR and GCA came after my second Moderna shot. Currently on prednisone for the last year and a half and trying to stay positive but having a few relapse issues coming up as I am currently down to 1 mg of prednisone. Never had any issues like this in my life until after that shot and it happened within a month

Thank you for replying. I am sorry you are suffering with this.
It sounds like we should get a referral to a rheumatologist. Were they most helpful in addressing your pain? There is a 3 month wait for an appointment, but his internist doesn't seem to be looking for a diagnosis. Thanks for information.

These are very interesting comments. I already had PMR when I received my vaccinations, although what I noticed (finally), is that I had flare ups within a few days of receiving all 4 vaccines, all of which lasted 6 to 7 weeks. I will not.be taking more. I agree the shot should come with a warning, which I suppose first requires "official" recognition that these reactions are evidence informed and "facts".

Mary are the vaccinations you received for Covid ?

I agree that the medical world needs to acknowledge that it is a clear possibility that one can get PMR from a vaccination. When I was 65 , I got an extra large dose flu shot for seniors although I really had ever had little exposure to the flu . 4 days after the flu vaccination I suddenly woke up to barely being able to get out of bed .
The upper body muscle pain was the worst . I started with 10 mg of prednisone an d it took 9 months for me to get rid of the pain and prednisone. 6 years later I had a recurrence.
Same med and healing time .
Because of this PMR And resulting spinal osteoporosis I decided not to have any of the Covid vaccinations.
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I already had PMR when I received my covid vaccines. What I experienced was a increase in my symptoms (for a.period of roughly 6 weeks) with days each time I was vaccinated. Too bad it took me 4 vaccinations to identify the pattern.

It’s been on my mind. Just can’t be sure.

My rheumatologist and I both feel the Covid vaccine triggered my PMR. Needless to say, I am not getting boosters. I guess my mask and I are permanent friends.
I also had a fall down a couple of steps that injured by knees. The vaccine and the injury may have been enough to cause extreme inflammation. They occurred with a month of each other. Who knows. I would certainly be leery of getting a live vaccine.