PMR triggers--COVID vs. Shingrix shingles vaccinations

I had already had the Shingles vaccine when I got PMR in July of 2024, which I believe was triggered by a COVID vax, IMHO, and only suspected I had PMR but wasn't officially diagnosed when I got the 2024 flu shot. At that time I was in PT for what I thought was a lifting injury but was PMR, and I had seen a modicum of improvement. When I got that flu shot, it kicked me on my butt for 4 days.

Once I got in to see a rheumatologist, I asked about getting vaccines going forward, specifically COVID and flu and he said it wasn't worth it. I'm half way through the tapering process from 10 mg/day and am seeing improvement and my rheumatologist said if I keep progressing through this fall, I can get a flu shot. Now I guess I need to ask about a Measles vax, since it's on the increase - I did have Measles as a child, so maybe I don't need it..... Good luck in your PMR journey!

I’ve not had a flare related to vaccines I’ve gotten while treating for PMR (covid, flu, pneumonia). I didn’t get the shingles vaccine while treating.Obviously everyone should make their own choices with advice from a dr. Both my rheumatologist and GP have advised me to make sure I get all vaccines, and I specifically asked about any data related to them, causing PMR. They have both told me they don’t know of any credible scientific data to think that is true. However, they have made the comment that the viruses themselves might trigger PMR. I wish you the best health in your recovery

Interesting that rheumy’s said viruses might cause the PMR. My rheumy said it isn’t related, BUT, the PMR symptoms started while I had a virus that had me coughing non-stop & freezing for 6 days. I thought all of the joint pain was part of whatever I had caught. But the cough got better & the neck, shoulder, arm, hip pain persisted. When I finally saw my primary 2 months later, he did blood test & diagnosed PMR based on ESR, +ANA, & CRP which were all high. He started me on Prednisine immediately & it was amazingly effective. I felt like a different person in 4 days. I couldn’t get appointment with rheumy for 4 weeks. I was taking 6 extra strength Tylenol arthritis plus ibuprofen daily in the time before starting prednisone & it did help.

Funny thing, rheumy says he isn’t sure of my diagnosis. (?)

Thank you for your feedback. I may just get the Shingrix after all, but I've never had a flu shot since I have heard they are only 18% effective. Seeing as I haven't had the flu in decades, I'm taking my chances. Same with COVID. I did get COVID twice, and both incidences were pretty mild, even though I only had one series of vaccine in 2021. I'll risk it because I'm pretty healthy for my old age of 71. 🙂

He isn't sure? Then I wouldn't be sure if he's the right doctor for me. That's what lab tests are suppose to confirm.

Just an FYI, I only had a mild case of PMR (legs and shoulders only hurt when laying down in bed) and I never had elevated inflammation markers, but was still diagnosed with PMR.

I tend to agree that he’s not for me. Luckily, my primary is great, hopefully, I can just see him and skip the rheumy. I’m wondering how long this is going to last. It seems to come & go. It got much better after I started on prednisone but after 6 wks on prednisone, I was having difficulty with the side effects & quit taking it. Now the pain, stiffness & exhaustion are coming back. They seem to fade & return - perhaps due to stress. It does seem to respond well to meditation.

Hmmm. Some of these specialists don’t take kindly to a GP making a diagnosis!!! A wee bit of an ego!!