Having long covid and getting the updated vaccine: side effects?

Posted by annies444 @annies444, Apr 24 2:52pm

I've had long covid since summer of 2024 and someone very sensitive to side effects/medication. My PCP now wants me to get the 2024-25 vaccine. My online search has shown me that with my LC symptoms of body aches and PEM that the vaccine might well make my symptoms worse, cause additional symptoms and prolong LC. Anyone also sensitive have experience with this? My gut says don't get it, but I am both worried about getting the vaccine and not getting it...thoughts?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

frustrated2025 | @frustrated2025 | Apr 27 1:21pm

In reply to @lkirnbauer "No, not petty. We all feel how we feel and I’m sure you’re not creating it!..." + (show)

omg...:(

jeindc | @jeindc | Apr 27 4:09pm

I've had long COVID since early April 2023, after getting COVID for the first time in March 2023. I'd had every kind of vaccine - J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer. In Fall of '24, I had Novavax and loved it - NO reaction - not even a swollen arm. This past Fri., I got the Moderna - Novavax is still not approved again (search and you'll find all the info) - and oh it was awful. I had the most awful "worse than flu-like" reaction - even my legs were not working - it took assistance to stand up, I couldn't walk more than a foot or 2 and I ended up sleeping Fri. after the shot and almost all day Saturday. Today, Sun., I am better. It was scary and I do not know if it's bec I have long COVID that the reaction was so bad. I'll check w/ one of my many docs this week to see what they know. It was recommended that I get it by those treating me. And even if they'd not, I would've. I also got the MMR booster having no memory of having measles and being a teen when the vaccination came out and no one left to tell me if I had it.

I'll post here if my LC symptoms worsen - I so hope not. Just not up to more of this.

annies444 | @annies444 | Apr 27 5:49pm

In reply to @gkdew2 "A friend of mine had long covid and when she got the vaccine her long covid..." + (show)

Do you know which symptoms your friend had that the vaccine eliminated? They vary so widely.

joansmurphy | @joansmurphy | Apr 27 11:51pm

I got Covid in November of ‘21 which turned into long Covid, which I still have. I have had every vaccine offered. I am a nurse and very pro vaccination. (I wonder if our attitude has anything to do with our reaction.) You know yourself. Listen to your body.

friedrich | @friedrich | Apr 28 10:15am

In reply to @gkdew2 "A friend of mine had long covid and when she got the vaccine her long covid..." + (show)

To gkdew2 —

Thank you for reporting this instance of the LC vaccine apparently curing a case of existing LC.

I’ve had LC since February 2024. I’ve had 2 LC booster vaccinations since then with no negative after effects. I’ll get another LC booster vaccination this week, and I’ll report the outcome here.

— friedrich

annies444 | @annies444 | May 1 9:03am

I am now considering getting the Novavax vaccine if I can find it in my area. I looked at their site but no luck yet. I've read that there is less of a chance of it causing further or worsening long covid symptoms. Anyone have experience with this? I saw that one person who replied did not have a good experience with this. (Sorry I can't remember the person's name) Thanks

mspaminreno | @mspaminreno | May 2 9:36am

Every booster I took put me down for 10 days or so. I don't believe I can tolerate them. Should I come down with a respirastory virus of any kind, I rely on Nature's Way "Umcka Cold + Flu" liquid. It works for me every time; I swear by it.
My best to everyone.
Pam

annies444 | @annies444 | May 2 10:25am

In reply to @mspaminreno "Every booster I took put me down for 10 days or so. I don't believe I..." + (show)

I also like Umcka. If I may ask, was each booster MRNA or had you tried Novavax? Thanks!

gkdew2 | @gkdew2 | May 2 3:28pm

In reply to @annies444 "Do you know which symptoms your friend had that the vaccine eliminated? They vary so widely." + (show)

I know that she was exhausted all the time and had no desire to participate in any family events-prior to LC she was always with the family. Not sure of other symptoms