Need to decide to get a Covid Shot while I have PMR.

I have had PMR since 9/23 (possibly longer, it took a while before they got to that diagnosis), and tapering has been difficult. It's going well now since I finally have a good rheumatologist. I started at 20 mg of Prednisone and am down to 11, supplemented by daily Meloxicam. I got the Pfizer COVID vax in early October with zero issues, not even a sore arm. Many friends, especially those who have traveled, have come down with it. I've been spared. Just one person but a happy story.

I have PMR and taking Prednisone and hydroxychloroquine daily. I had a Covid vaccine two weeks ago, no reactions, I’m fine!

I do not remember ever having a reaction to a flu shot. The day after the last Covid booster I was miserable, spent moat of the day in bed.. I am now alternating between 2-3 mg prednisone and having some problems. I am feeling vulnerable to having a flare by getting the covid booster. Getting my markers done tomorrow, the last 2 months were normal. I have not gotten any vaccines yet. Will decide soon.
Also feeling vulnerable to being in the hospital with covid.

You might want to check on covid shots and decrease immunity.
First had knowledge of MD's from Pittsburgh to N. VA. saying many people with diseases like micoplasma pneumonia and not responding like normal.
Blaming covid or vaccine, but no one knows why.

@colleenyoung Well, this seems backwards. Stopping prednisone suddenly, or even too quickly, can cause problems that make PMR at its worst look like a walk in the park. Happened to me back in the summer. Lightheadedness, lack of balance, hypotension with rapid heart rate to try (almost but not quite in vain) to raise the flow of blood to my head. I am still dealing with this, and with careful management, I am now at the point where I can SOMETIMES feel almost normal but if I act like I am OK, I pay for it with a couple of days mostly in bed.

I too was nervous about getting the vaccine(s). I am off of prednisone. I got the flu vaccine last week and was sore but okay. I was having a PMR flare in my left arm, so of course I went for the right arm. It smarted more than I am used to. I decided to get the covid vaccine a few days later because I want to be vaccinated before my husband has unexpected heart surgery on Nov. 3rd. I let the pharmacist know I have PMR and that I had had a pretty big flare when I got the first shingle vaccine (of two) last year. She said that was not unusual, as that one is a bit tougher for those with autoimmune challenges. I told her that I still had soreness in my right arm from the flu shot, and could she aim in a different spot. She said of course and did so, and I did not have a bit of problem. Except, as usual PMR antics are with me, my left arm stared hurting even more the next day. I just chose that the temporary pain was necessary under the circumstances.

For what it’s worth, I was diagnosed with PMR on 7/31/26. Currently taking 12.5 mg of prednisone daily and have no PMR symptoms. I received vaccines for flu and Covid (Pfizer version) on October 14th. Felt a bit fatigued the following day but no issues since.

I do understand but I would encourage everyone to re-consider getting vaccines at a time when their body is already in the throes of dealing with a chronic condition. Especially the covid vaccine.

My PMR started after my second COVID vaccination in 2021, so I will never get another mRNA vaccine. I do think I am more sensitive to it than others may be.

I was diagnosed with PMR one year ago. I got both covid and flu shots last week. No side effects except a sore arm.