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.

@janielou56

I also got 3 Pfizer shots. Not because I wanted to but because I wanted to visit my mother who lives in a long-term care facility in Canada.
Some months after my last I contracted PMR !
I am a snowbird so I spend most of my time in Washington State and the winter months in Arizona.
My washington doctor would never admit that the covid vaccine could possibly induce PMR..... But my doctor in Arizona told me not to get any more shots!! She was pretty sure that that's what caused my PMR
I am going to report my situation as well. Thank you for the informatio

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When I asked my rheumatologist if the vaccine could be a factor in developing pmr he said “Yes, possibly, you probably have to be genetically predisposed but the covid vaccine does cause widespread inflammation in the body.”

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@freeme

When I asked my rheumatologist if the vaccine could be a factor in developing pmr he said “Yes, possibly, you probably have to be genetically predisposed but the covid vaccine does cause widespread inflammation in the body.”

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I have no doubt that the arthritis-type conditions I’ve had to deal with are linked to the Pfizer mRNA “vaccine.” My rheumatologist also thought that there may be a link to my DNA when I mentioned that possibility to him.
On July 6, Science Magazine posted an article on a rare link between coronavirus vaccines and autoimmune types of disorders, indicating that this is finally gaining acceptance. I guess even the CDC is having to admit it. This is the first public acknowledgement of this connection that I know of. Here’s the link to the article: https://www.science.org/content/article/rare-link-between-coronavirus-vaccines-and-long-covid-illness-starts-gain-acceptance.
The article also contains links for individuals to get involved in potential research involving not only symptoms of Long-Covid, but also research addressing those of us experiencing what they refer to as “Long-Vax” symptoms. I have submitted my story and my medical records, and filled out all the questionnaires. I would think that the more people who respond to this solicitation, the better.
From information I’ve been able to find, the drug’s interaction with certain gene profiles or specific gene variants, as well as its ability to alter an individual’s DNA (now also gaining acceptance), would seem to be a good focus area for research. Hopefully, the funding will flow to examine how the mRNA vaccine produces these symptoms so that the most appropriate treatments can be determined.

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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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