Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

Posted by kristem2020 @kristem2020, Jan 2, 2021

Good evening, I’ve recently been diagnosed with PMR. It came on a week after my flu shot October 23, 2020.

Has anyone experienced the same diagnosis after a flu shot?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

I think it should be mandatory for every vaccine to list all of its ingredients. It may not be the active ingredient which causes the problem, it may be another ingredient causing the inflammatory reaction. Some vaccines use collagen as a stabiliser, a big problem for some of us, yet it is not mentioned. We need full disclosure on all the ingredients of every vaccine we take.

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Has there ever been a study by any reputable scientific organization that has drawn an association between any vaccine and the onset of any form of arthritis? Both my primary care physician and my rheumatologist, who are outstanding and highly respected, say no. I’m curious that if this is the consensus among a vast majority in the scientific healthcare community should this even be a topic? I worry that such a discussion might cause some to avoid important measures of prevention.

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@trailrider

Has there ever been a study by any reputable scientific organization that has drawn an association between any vaccine and the onset of any form of arthritis? Both my primary care physician and my rheumatologist, who are outstanding and highly respected, say no. I’m curious that if this is the consensus among a vast majority in the scientific healthcare community should this even be a topic? I worry that such a discussion might cause some to avoid important measures of prevention.

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There are multiple references to joint ailments after Covid vaccines. One at Cureus titled "COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Arthritis: A Descriptive Study of Case Reports on a Rare Complication" gives references to some studies. It says "Although not yet frequently reported, joint-related adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination can definitely occur."

Another article with references at Cureus titled "Inflammatory Arthritis Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination" says "Inflammatory arthritis is an increasingly recognized rare adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccination and clinicians should actively consider this in patients with new or flares of inflammatory joint disease."

Unfortunately I can't yet post links, so can't direct you to them. There are others if you search.

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@kellerka7

I had my 4th COVID vax in April of ‘22. By June I could barely move. I was diagnosed with PMR in mid August and have been on Pred since then. I got COVID 2 months ago after attending a funeral where someone came sick. I got Paxlovid the day after I tested positive and did ok. I won’t get another mRNA vax either.

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I too developed PMR 7 to 10 days after 2nd Moderna booster shot, July 2022 at age 57. I am down to 5mg prednisone now 9/23. It took almost a month for the proper diagnoses. First sent to orthopedics. I read a similar store where someone else was also sent to orthopedics. I never even heard of PMR and everyone I talk too says to me, "PMR-what is that? I did get to 3 mg back in July but symptoms reappeared so now I back to 5mg and trying not to go up anymore. I never had issues with hips. My issues have been with calves, arms, neck, shoulder, and hands so far. Started at 30mg. Hopeful. I really wished I never got the second booster. No one is admitting that the covid vaccines are causing issues! I have heard similar stories from others maybe not with PMR but other things. These forums are a godsend. Thanks to everyone. This has been hell dealing with. There is another mayo clinic link, "Prednisone tapering is challenging. What does remission feel like?"

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@briand3960

This is my concern about the vaccine causing a flareup. My PMR started after the Shingrix vaccines. I had received the Zostavax years earlier. So far, I have had three Pfizer Covid vaccines without flares. But I’m concerned with getting another as I am really thankful to be in PMR remission and off prednisone. Appreciate everyone’s input on this. I want to minimize COVID infection but not at the price of PMR.

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I developed PMR after the Shingrix vax at age 53. Worst. Still have after 5 month and on 60 mg CG with suspected GAC. Not a fan of Shingrix.

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@celiacm

I developed PMR after the Shingrix vax at age 53. Worst. Still have after 5 month and on 60 mg CG with suspected GAC. Not a fan of Shingrix.

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Sorry to hear of your situation.
I took my last Shingles shot 12-19-2019. Had no reaction. First signs of PMR was 01-09-23. I hope that was not the cause of your PMR.
Blessings

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@megz

There are multiple references to joint ailments after Covid vaccines. One at Cureus titled "COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Arthritis: A Descriptive Study of Case Reports on a Rare Complication" gives references to some studies. It says "Although not yet frequently reported, joint-related adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination can definitely occur."

Another article with references at Cureus titled "Inflammatory Arthritis Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination" says "Inflammatory arthritis is an increasingly recognized rare adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccination and clinicians should actively consider this in patients with new or flares of inflammatory joint disease."

Unfortunately I can't yet post links, so can't direct you to them. There are others if you search.

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Cureus is not a reputable source for information. They have extremely low standards and publish information that would never be accepted by a reputable organization that follows even basic medical/scientific norms. Surprising that such can be posted here.

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@trailrider

Cureus is not a reputable source for information. They have extremely low standards and publish information that would never be accepted by a reputable organization that follows even basic medical/scientific norms. Surprising that such can be posted here.

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The first article cites 35 references including government reviews and various medical journals which back the Cureous reports. The second cites 13 references. There is similar evidence elsewhere if you don't trust Cureus.

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The Shringrix vaccine became available in October 2017. I had just had the old shingles vaccine 2 weeks prior, so I opted not to get the new one. I'm glad I didn't get the new one, given that I contracted PMR within about a week of my second Pfizer COVID vaccination. Be sure you report what you think is a causal relationship between vaccinations and PMR here: https://vaers.hhs.gov/

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Just a reminder that the American college of Rheumatology mtg is coming up in NOV. I imagine there will be posters/abstracts re Covid patients and Covid vaccinations and Rheumatoid diseases. ( PMR is only one of many -sigh) .

The European Meeting was in May 2023- these popped in my search :
https://www.hcplive.com/view/long-covid-and-patients-with-rheumatic-disease-perspective-from-eular-2023
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/993238: Latest Data: COVID Vaccine Safety, Protection, and Breakthrough Infections in Inflammatory, Autoimmune Diseases
Massimo Sandal
June 15, 2023.

I am also waiting to see how my Rheumatologist will respond to question about getting the Covid booster .

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