I have been thinking the same. I don't want to get a fourth vaccination because I don't want my joints to flare. I will be watching this thread so thanks for posting.
Of course we all have the choice, but as a fourth vaccination has been advised for those who are thought to be vulnerable….maybe whoever decided that knows why it is thought necessary?With the financial state the NHS finds itself in, I think maybe only those who are thought will actually benefit from yet another jab will be offered it.
But if you don’t feel you need it…..you are free to refuse …then someone else who wants it can benefit.
They have done a clinical trial which shows people on methotrexate do not build strong immunity to Covid from the vaccines hence the 4th vaccine. I'm just wondering when we should stop putting these toxins in our bodies as government tells us they are necessary.
I agree the whole country needed the first 2 doses but now I'm not so sure.
Toxins? Really? I’m no immunologist but I’m pretty sure no one is giving us toxins for Covid. The drugs I take to control my RA on the other hand are potentially dangerous; hence we are monitored. I’m on a JAK, not metho, and just had a couple of very tired days post 4 jab. Individual choice of course. I wish you well.
Anything that is artificial and put in your body is a toxin with side effects. Even the humble paracetamol will raise your liver enzymes. This is the kind of toxic I'm talking about.Anyway, had the 4th vac yesterday and no problems.
I'm due to have mine on Sunday and will do so although it's an easy decision for me as I haven't had any problems after the previous ones - frantically touching wood here! 🤞😂
When I mentioned the fourth jab to the rheumy recently, he said that he thought that everyone would have it eventually, some were just getting it earlier than others. I don't hesitate about having the flu jab and to my mind, this is the same really.
I'm on 20mg Metoject and was classed as CEV although I didn't shield, just took care and I will continue to do so.
Just had mine. Slightly sore arm this time. I get flu jab every year as it is recommended and I will happily get a Covid one too. I haven't had problems, beyond a few aches and pains, after any of them. I had Covid in January and wasn't very ill, I ascribe this to having been vaccinated. Omicron might be mild but another variant might not be. I'll happily keep my vaccination status as up to date as the Government supplies it to me.
I had mine 9 weeks ago but I didn't have any joint issues with the previous 3 so it wasn’t a consideration. I think all you can do is weigh it up against the previous response to the same vaccine, the intention is to improve protection but if the reaction is likely to be worse than Covid then you have your answer, except you don't know if you'll even get it or how hard hit you'd be with it. Oh I don't know, I've not had it so wouldn’t know. Could you not call the helpline, put the onus on your Rheumy nurse?
No, it's pointless calling them. As this whole situation is so new they don't really know.Anyway, I decided to have it. My joints are already sore it's just the level of pain that varies and I am able to rest.
This whole Covid thing is getting too much.
Time for us to get on with life and forget about Covid. It's really caused a lot of anxiety and a lot of it is scaremongering.
Couldn’t agree more. I'm pleased you've decided to have it. It's something we do have control over & if we get Covid, in spite of, at least we know we've done all we can to protect ourselves. I hope your joints behave.
There are 20 million excess deaths globally. It’s not a media myth. Hopefully the next variant will also be a mild one. The majority of people in the UK who are dying now have compromised immune-stsyems.
Likewise Moomin8. I was more than happy to have it and although the new variant is mild in most people I know a few youngish people who are normally fit and strong but have gone down quite badly with it...rather as they would have done with a bad case of flu. If it can do that to them, it could possibly do the same to us.
I had Covid just after Boxing Day; by this time I had had 3 vaccines. I was quite unwell, heavy flu-like symptoms, but recovered. It took quite a few weeks to shed the symptoms, to be honest, but the tiredness is a hard one to judge as we have that as part of our RA. However, my bloods still aren't great🤷🏻♀️Waiting for the next variation to bite me on the bum! 😥Working in a school leaves me very open to new variations, unfortunately.
Working in a school is a tough call, but you can only do what you can to stay safe. It sounds as if you were pretty unwell, so I can't imagine how you might have been with out the vaccinations, Moomin8. I think the fact that this later variation doesn't protect anyone from being reinfected at a later time must be really unwelcome news for you, more so than for those of us who can stay away from busy places. I really hope another variant doesn't raise its ugly head! Stay as safe as you can, God Bless, ❤️
I don't have your Condition exactly, I have Vasculitis and have had a Kidney Transplant- in July 2013- however I think, in most 'other respects' our Conditions are similar.
I have had Three 'Normal' vaccines and a Booster Vaccine- along with both a Pnumonia and Flu Jabs- without (m)any Side Effects.
My advice is to ask your 'own' Doctors/ Consultants, in other words, People Who Know YOU- and Your Condition. I would Make an Appointment, even if it is a Phone one, as soon as you can Cheylann. By all means ask him/her exactly what you have Asked, on here, emphasising your fears over the joint pain.
Finally, on behalf of us All, can I send you our Collective
Thank you. Nurse advised to have it. Said rather a couple of days of joint pain rather than a bad dose of Covid. I've had it.
Under the current criteria, 10mg of mtx is not enough to warrant a fourth jab, but if you’ve been on the steroids for more than 4 weeks or at doses of 10mg or more, that will be why you’ve been offered the 4th, not the mtx. You mention mtx and antibody studies in another reply, but the studies so far have actually found that many people only on mtx do mount good response, it’s just easier to blanket vaccinate everyone that potentially hasn’t than try to establish who definitely hasn’t. If I could have a fourth jab, I would, but I’ve had a serious, apparently unique reaction to all 3 of my previous (2 Pfizer, 1 AZ) and have been told they’re unwilling to give me any more covid vaccines. I had to wait more than 6 months between each one because of all the faff, endlessly chasing allergy and specialists. I’m still classed as CEV, I was advised by my team I had to strictly shield again when omicron emerged because of the vaccination issues, and the concern from rheum and the GP is still that I could have severe illness if I catch it, but whatever protection I have right now is the most I’m going to have until/unless an alternative to the current vaccines becomes available that they feel I can safely have. We all have to do what we feel is right, and I know you went ahead and had it in the end, but given my arthritis isn’t under control anyway, if the choice was a few weeks of more dodgy joints in exchange for not having to worry quite so much about dying from covid, or adding long covid to my already extensive problems, then it would be an easy call for me to make.
Thanks for the best wishes. They’ve said all current and future mRNA and traditional vaccines are out, but I’m hoping that something like Evusheld, which works by giving someone the antibodies rather than triggering their immune system to make them, might be a way forward in the long term. Would help if they could explain why I react the way I do, but as the only recorded case worldwide (we think) and with the NHS stretched as it is, no one is particularly fussed about working it out atm.
Hopefully that will come in the future Charlie_G, especially if more people over time react as you do. That won't help you where you are right now though and in your shoes I'd be feeling pretty vulnerable. Your problem makes me, and no doubt most of us on here, feel both fortunate and humble. Hope you manage to stay free from it.
You are right, a few more weeks of this joint pain is a small price to pay to prevent a bad dose of Covid. In our area anyone on mtx qualifies for a 4th jab so that is why I've had it. Also 120mg of steroid injection. Also as I've just started mtx the dose may increase with time. Best to be protected.
I had my 4th without hesitation, I’m on 25gm Methotrexate plus Abatacept. I’m not taking any chances. I’ll have as many jabs as recommended to keep myself moving. Good luck
I see u r taking abatacept. How have u found this drug and if u don't mind me asking , why were u given that drug. My consultant has decided to put me on it but she us not very forthcoming about the reasons why. She says I have inflammatory arthritis, but my worst joints are hands and feet which she says is osteo. I can barely walk or use my hands. The pain is overcoming me at present. Am feeling quite desperate for some info and input.
Hi Emma, Sorry to learn you are in such pain. I have just begun my Abatacept as since 3rd December, both my wrists/knuckles have been constantly inflamed and soooo painful. Consultant decided to move to onto Abatacept stating after 14+ years on Benepali, it was now failing to control the RA. I am in the early stages, as it takes Abatacept 6-12 weeks to show benefits. Just got to hope but so far, no adverse side affects. Stay safe
Had it yesterday. Feel fine today just sore arm. I'm due to inject my 1pmg mtx tonight and wondering if its safe to do it a day after vaccination. Forgot to ask them.What do you think?
Personally, i’ll be having my booster, 4th vaccine dose. I’m not taking a chance with Covid, none of us know how we will go with it, nor do we know which variant we will get or if the hospital system will cope amd be able to treat us as effectively if we need to go into one!
Plus, following on… the meds we take stop our bodies developing the amount of antibodies as a response to the vaccines that people who are not on the develop, that’s why we need the extra one.There is LOTS of available literature on the web, peer reviewed studies showing low antibody response from those on immunosuppressants.
Go for the vaccine! We have t come this far not to give ourselves the very best chance not only to get through Covid but also NOT to get long covid! Imagine adding long covid to your list of illnesses.
I had my 4th jab 2 weeks ago, and skipped my weekly mtx dose the week after. My immunity level after 3 jabs was 2200, but three months later it had dropped to 140, so there is no doubt in my mind that mtx intake does suppress the immunity level. I have noted a slight increase in stiffness in the morning but no flares. I've been taking mtx for 25 years.
Hi, I asked my GP why I needed a 4th vaccination, as I was only on MTX for 4 months. She said that anyone taking MTX at the time they had their 2nd jab, was being offered a full 4th jab in order to have full immunity from Covid
12.5 mg mtx, but it is my health insurance that flags me up to the health authorities as being vulnerable. I'm in Belgium so I get cross referenced by my GP, specialists, and health insurance, and any one can flag it in the system
I had the 4th vaccine yesterday. No problems today just my normal sore elbows. I'm due to inject 10mgs mtx tonight and don't know whether I should or not. As it's only my 3rd dose I don't want to mess around and not take it. It's taken me 4 years to build up the courage to take it so now I've started don't want to stop until I know whether or not it works.Would you take it as I read you missed your dose. If not why not?
I would take it if I were you as you've only just started it. The advice varies from clinician to clinician so it would be best to ask your rheumy team but that won't be possible unless you want to delay your Methotrexate until you hear back from them and that will mean changing your day....
I didn't inject around my first three vaccinations but then I've been on it for ages and my RA is stable; however, I missed 3 the third time and my joints really starting to complain so I was glad to restart it. This time (today, 4th jab) I injected yesterday as usual.
Had my 4th without hesitation. Omicron may be more ‘flu like’ but not for everyone. Had a sore arm for a day or two but that was it. I am surprised I haven’t picked covid up with the job I do yet but I feel happier knowing that if I did, I have a very good chance now at only having less severe symptoms and avoiding admission to hospital.
I've had the 4th - AZ x2 , 1 Pfizer and 1 moderna vaccines. I'm on a JAK inhibitor, leflunomide and daily prednisolone and wanted to give myself the best protection I could to try an restablish a degree of normality to my life.
I had a bit of a flare after the Pfizer, otherwise I've been fine.
But I guess it's about balancing out your own priorities and risks you are willing to accept.
I usually stop the metho for about two weeks beforehand and a week or so after if necessary to allow my body to do what it needs to do. This is with the consent of my rhuemy team as over the years they know I do what I feel is right for me at the time. This is the same process I do when taking antibiotics.
I had 4th phizer yesterday. Due to take my 10mg Mtx injection tonight. As I've just started I don't want to mess with the mtx. It's only my 3rd dose. It's taken me 4 years to build up courage to take it. I see you stop mtx when vaccinated. As I've had 3phizer vaccines in a normal state Im sure I have some immunity to Covid.
I'm wondering if I should take Mtx tonight and if not why not. I already have a, steroid injection on board.
I take tablets metho 15mg a week, my rhuemy knows what I do, and I know that it feels the best for me. Maybe see if you can talk to someone on your rhuemy team. I write down what I want to ask so I don't forget then make a note of their response asking them to repeat if necessary. I stop the metho, because like you I don't like like having all those drugs in my system at once and I had my ra infusion a few days ago, which I feel depletes immunity further.
Hi I'm on 20mg metoject, 15mg lefluminode, 90mg etoricoxib, 200mg hydroxychloroquine & 1500mg gabapentin, I had my pneumonia jab yesterday & supposed to go for my 4th jab.
I asked the nurse yesterday if I should miss my next dose of metoject on Monday as I was planning on getting my 4th covid jab next week to give my body chance to build up antibodies.
She said that methotrexate would have little effect on either of the vaccines & not to miss my metoject.
Not sure this helps as I'm still debating whether to have my metoject as I'd like to give both vaccines the best chance to work x
As far as I am aware a vaccine is not a toxin. So get the protection if your’e taking methotrexate and are having three monthly blood tests you will be fine.
If you are immune supressed by the medications you take for your Rheumatoid Disease, you may have not produced as many antibodies to the Covid 19 virus from the previous vaccines as other people have.
That makes you less protected against infection. That's why a fourth vaccination has been advised just for that group of people.
I've had my fourth and it had no effect on my joints.
I think we should look at the evidence and the science not our understandable feelings of 'Oh no, not another one!'.
My feeling is old-timer, if it's there I'm going to make use of it. So I go for my 4th booster next week. I had to cancel the previous booster apps because it would have meant having my infusion and booster on top of one another and I was worried that one might cancel out the other. Anything that helps in the fight has got to be worth it.
Sorry if I'm repeating any comments, there are so many in this thread I haven't read them all. I asked my GP about 4th vaccination as I've had 10 days of bad flu type symptoms after previous vaccinations. She said studies had shown that anyone taking MTX at time of their 2nd jab, needed a further full vaccination in order to have full protection against Covid. I only took MTX for 4 months but she said, the length of time I was on it was irrelevant. So, I guess I will bite the bullet and have it done.
Having experienced the full force of COVID in March 2020, I would get it in my arm asap. The consequences of getting Covid are still with me and anything to make any future infection less serious gets my vote, despite minor temporary consequences. I can’t wait to get my 4th jab. I feel quite vulnerable now and was hospitalised in December for 10 days having caught another virus, not Covid. We are all different however and need to make our own choices. I wish you luck,
I had the 4th pfizer a week ago; no effects on my joints, but the same fatigue as with the three previous vaccines.
I didn't know that Methotrexate affected the level of protection. I'm on 10mgm weekly of MTX. In any case, I'm happy to take everything that's advised. I have confidence in the science behind it all. I started MTX in 1998 and never questioned the wisdom of taking it; and there have been no adverse effects. Lucky, perhaps.
Still, there's no obligation to have this 4th jab - but it is recommended for CEV patients. And as I'm also elderly, I get everything offered.
We are in an extremely vulnerable group and the vaccines do not last very long for us..therefore we need another and then a booster quicker than anyone else. I'm afraid we have to trust the doctors on this, and protect ourselves. Anything else would be irresponsible.
That’s not true Salamanca we aren’t all in an extremely vulnerable group, a lot of us will have mounted a response to the vaccines because many aren’t on drugs that severely affect the immune system. There are people here who have been tested and have had a good response. If more people were tested then we’d have more of an idea who would need boosters but that won’t happen.
Just back from my fourth - arranged via the GP so at the same centre as my other ones after receiving a text from the hospital pharmacy quite a while ago that I was eligible. Interestingly, a letter came from the hospital itself yesterday so they're obviously catching up. I took the text, letter and Methotrexate prescription evidence with me but once I'd said that I was on Methotrexate (no mention of the dose) the doctor said that I was eligible. There were several people there for 4th doses and the guy on the door asked which I was there for and was obviously clued-up. Very efficient 😊
Can anyone point me to the official guidance on the number of vaccine shots you're meant to have when on MTX. I am currently on 20mg and have had the 1st and second doses and a booster. I enquired when getting the booster shot and was told by the nurse it's dependent on having a doctor's letter, she also stated that it had to be more than 20mg to get the 3rd dose. I will be contacting my rhummy team and doctor but would like to know what the actual policy is before doing so. TIA
In our area anyone on mtx qualifies for all 4 of the vaccinations. You do need a letter from rheumatology.I had my 4th last week and only on 10mg Mtx. Don't listen to surgery nurses. They will all say something different.
Thank you for the reply. It has been done so confusingly even the people I spoke to couldn’t tell me the difference between a booster and a 3rd / 4th dose. Yes I will contact the rummy team and take it from there. Thanks again.
I think at one stage in this pandemic it was decided ( possibly by NRAS ) that people who take MTX were on so many differing amounts that it would be sensible for everyone on any level of MTX to have the 3rd primary and 4th as booster . I am on 20mg of MTX plus Sulfasalazine so I asked my rheumatologist. This was months ago and she wasn't sure whether the cut off was 20mg or greater than 20 mg . I think this confused many doctors/rheumatologists. She finally decided that I was eligible AFTER I had been called for my booster ( 3rd jab ) . So I've had 2 x AZ , 1 Pfizer and 1/2 Moderna . I had reactions for a couple of days after the last two jabs and after my 'flu jab , but happy to take everthing I'm given , trusting the science , if not Boris , on this one .
The last vaccine was at the end of December 2021 so I'm not sure if the protection is waning or holding strong still . I agree that we have , at some stage , to live with covid but I do hope the government gives some thought to the elderly ( I'm 80 and CEV ) including LFTs , vaccines and antivirals when appropriate. I've read that there is another Omicron on the horizon ( a mix of Delta/Omicron) which may be more vicious than the present milder ( allegedly ) Omicron . So I think " it ain't over yet" 🤔. ( Waiting 'till the "fat lady sings" ).
OMG another ominicron?? Scary. I'm on 10mgs mtx now but as I've just started I'm bound to go up with time.
In our area everyone on mtx qualifies for 4th vaccine.
Hopefully I have some immunity as I had 3 vaccines before starting mtx.
Who knows what is best but I like you do believe the vaccine is the reason the deaths are now much lower than in the beginning.
My 2 daughters, one 38 and one 41 have both had Covid. The 41 year old was really ill and had a nasty cough which lasted for 6 weeks. My 38 year old had delta first and recently ominicron. Both times she had bad flu symptoms.
I had a phizer last Friday and my joints are flaring now but I'd rather deal with them than a bad dose of Covid. Had mtx injection Saturday night so who knows what is causing what.
Doubt the government will consider older people or vulnerable people. It's going to be a case of taking responsibility for yourself.
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4th vaccination?
Covid and flu vaccines
Orencia and the covid vaccine 
MTX and Covid Vaccine
GPs know nothing about 4th vaccine. 
