Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?

Hi. Any update? My otherwise healthy 82-year old mom got PMR within days of her 2nd Shingrex vaccine a couple years ago and ended up in excruciating pain, bedridden for weeks, hospitalized for a week, on oxygen and in a wheel chair. It's been 2 years with no flare ups and she's eligible for the COVID vaccine. She's just started having shoulder pain a few days ago but hasn't had blood tests of SED and CReactive Protein levels. I'm terrified that she will have another vaccine-related immune response, but am also worried about Covid. Would love to hear how you did with the vaccine. Thanks.

Any update? My mom is in the same situation - prior PMR but no longer on prednisone - and just found out it's "her turn" for the vaccine. Thank you.

@ppr- None of the vaccines have stated that there is a 100% success rate in protecting us from COVID-19. Prednisone and other medications like it lower your body's risk to infections. I think more time needs to pass before we know a lot more as you suggested.

I agree, have the vaccine. You are held for 15 minutes to see if you have an adverse reaction. If after that you have problems that far surpass what one might expect than call your doctor.

Have you been offered any options other than 10 mg of prednisone to help you breathe?

Hi Merry - I'm curious about this " There is worry that you might get an infection from the vaccine." This is not a live-virus vaccine, meaning you can't get Covid, so what are you hearing?
My daughter and my friend both got an "immune response" - aches, fever, etc - from theirs. That is actually a good sign - it means the body is forming an immune response just like it is supposed to.
Sue

I’m very similar to your Mom only 62 years and 1 year out from PMR after getting 2nd Shingrix vaccine. I just got my 2nd COViD vaccine (Pfizer) last week with no PMR flare. Minimal side effects - sore arm and minor lymph node swelling in armpit for 1 day. Wish you all the best of health.

Sue- Hi! I deleted the sentence about being infected from the shot. Thanks to bringing it to my attention. I misread the information.

Here is a statement from Mayo.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisone-oral-route/precautions/drg-20075269

Thanks again
Merry

@briand3960- My experience with the first Shingrix shot. I dread getting the second one and I'm due. Were you definitely diagnosed with PMR? Aren't some of the symptoms of the shot similar to PMR?

My mom got the second Shingrix and flu shots the same day at Walgreens, a big mistake, but had never had an adverse vaccine reaction. She was definitely diagnosed with PMR and had the temporal biopsy (?) to test for GCA. She never had PMR or any immune issues before that, but her SED and C Reactive Protein levels were out of control by the time she made it to the doctor for blood work. Within 3 or 4 days of the vaccine, she was immobile (tears trying to get out of bed to shuffle to the bathroom) and in excruciating pain, joints all over her body (not just shoulders and hips) and could not even lift a glass of water to drink it. She developed difficulty breathing and swallowing and had low pulse oxygen. I don't think the ordinary vaccine side effects are anything like that and it seems that her response was rare, but not unheard of. Still the rheumatologist did not believe it was related to the vaccines, but we are not at all convinced. She had been going to the gym and taking daily walks. This was a radical change. I don't know that I would avoid the Shingrix because of this, but I just never want her to go through anything like that again (a flare-up of PMR), hence the question.

Will let you know how it goes for my mom, who's getting the first vaccine Sunday (also PMR but no longer on prednisone). Fingers crossed.

Yes I was officially diagnosed with PMR. Whether to get the 2nd Shingrix shot is a tough call. In hind sight I had a bad reaction to the 1st shingrix shot but resolved in 2-3 days. I was unaware of the PMR risk or I would of not taken it or delayed it (had second shot 2 months after 1st and can wait 6 months) My side effects from the COViD 19 shots were minimal (and I was concerned for a flare). Good luck with whatever you decide