Safe to get vaccines after diagnosis?

Posted by jillkellyauthor @jillkellyauthor, Mar 21 3:02pm

Like some of you, my PMR showed up two weeks after a vaccination although I'd had many vaccinations before. I'm concerned now about getting a COVID booster. Any experience with this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

jeff97 | @jeff97 | Mar 21 4:37pm

I got a Covid booster and a flu shot last fall. I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR in late June. In the past I had had very strong side effects from Covid boosters (Pfizer) such as high fever, body aches, insomnia, etc. With the booster I got after being treated with prednisone and Actemra, I didn't have any side effects at all. It made me wonder how effective the booster was. But I plan to keep getting vaccinations as needed.

pdxmac | @pdxmac | Mar 22 9:51am

I'm in the same boat. I've had PMR for 18 months now, and have continued getting vaccinations with no side effects.

jillkellyauthor | @jillkellyauthor | Mar 22 11:21am

Thanks, pdxmac, from pdxjill

lagpmr2024 | @lagpmr2024 | Mar 23 9:29am

In reply to @pdxmac "I'm in the same boat. I've had PMR for 18 months now, and have continued getting..." + (show)

Are you on prednisone? I am. Some of the responses here lead me to believe that being on prednisone may keep the PMR related symptoms exhibited as vaccine side effects to a minimum or nonexistent.

brian326 | @brian326 | Mar 23 10:51am

I’ve continued to get vaccines and no flares or bad side effects. I’m guessing the suppressed immune system from prednisone makes them a little less effective but still worth it. Got pneumonia, covid and flu vaccines this fall at dr recommendation. Just my opinion, but I feel getting one of those illnesses with pmr has to be more risky than getting the vaccine. Science improves lives (trying to be helpful not controversial). Best of luck!