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Will a Covid shot temporarily increase a PSA reading?
I was diagnosed with Gleason 9 in August 2024. Had 28 sessions of IMRT shortly thereafter, and finished 20 months of Orgovyx in April 2026. Two subsequent PSA readings were less than 0.04. I have another PSA test scheduled for November 10, 2026. Some research has indicated that a Covid shot can increase PSA readings for up to a month after the shot. Should I postpone a Covid shot until after the PSA test? Thank you.
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Are you referring to this study from 2023?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10159928/
It did find a temporary but statistically significant increase in PSA levels after COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccination, though these increases were very small in the absolute sense -- averaging about 0.03 to 0.09 ng/dL.
That study also specifically excluded men with prostate cancer, let alone men who'd received whole-gland treatment like you have. So it's not clear if the observed effect would also apply to someone in your situation.
That said, your last PSA check was low enough that even a 0.03 increase would be potentially concerning, so it might be best to postpone the vaccination until after 11/10. That's only a few weeks away anyhow.
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1 ReactionCOVID vaccine can rise PSA (per our previous urologist's comment ) and keep it up for a month or two. This comment was made while my husband still had a prostate and I am not sure if this applies for PSA after RP or RT . I would guess that it should not have effect in post RP situation, but after RT it might since prostate is still present even though it is shriveled and damaged by RT.
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4 ReactionsI’ve had 12 Covid vaccinations. During that whole time I’ve been getting blood test for PSA every month. My PSA has never risen as a result of a Covid shot.
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5 Reactions@notpetecrowarmstrong
Yes, that's the study I'm referencing. Thank you for your observations.
@surftohealth88
Thank you for your insights. Much appreciated.
@jeffmarc
I thank you for your comments.