has anyone had flu and pneumonia jabs. what if any side effects have you had. Wendy

[kingharold11]

[Runrig01]

I have been told that the flu vaccine I had 2 years ago may have caused my PMR (symptoms started 4 days after having vaccine). I was told it is the additive they use to switch immune system on that is the problem. I had last year before starting steroids and had a flare up of pain and stiffness in the muscles. Just had this years, now on steroids, and have had no problem this time. I had PMR for 14 months before treatment started, as I am atypical due to age and normal bloods. Some people feel I'm mad to still have it if there is the chance the vaccine caused PMR, but my view is the damage is done, and I work on the frontline NHS and I am asthmatic. If you were to get flu you would almost certainly have a flare in PMR symptoms. Hope this helps, a Runrig

[kingharold11 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks everybody for your replies. I had both jabs in one arm at the same time, perhaps thats why my arm is really sore. I have had no symptoms with the PMR recently and blood tests are all normal after nearly three years. fingers crossed its gone but having said that I feel a bit under the weather with the flu/pneumo jabs. Wendy

[polkadotcom]

I've been having the 'flu vaccine for as many years as it has been going (20+?) with never a side effect. I did have flu twice during this time, but when we traced it back I had been infected either just before or just after the jab, which was just bad luck! Also had the pneumonia jab about 4 years ago without any problems.

[Green_girl]

I had both last year, when the PMR was very bad and my arms and shoulders were really painful and particularly 'concrete'. it was suggested I had both jabs together to save two journeys to the doctor......bad move!! Two very, very sore arms for a week. Would suggest if your arms are in a delicate way to go for two trips if you can. I had no side effects otherwise. Doctor said that what side effects you get may vary year to year as the vaccine changes to take on board different viruses. The Pneumovac only has to be given once in your life (so if I decide to go for another flu jab then only one arm will be compromised..... ).

[Annodomini]

Never had any trouble with flu jab and had the pneumonia one seven years ago again with no ill effects. I must be lucky.

[venezia1]

I have the flu jab every year and have a sore arm for a couple of days, and feel a bit under the weather, but worth it, I think. No trouble with pneumonia jab.

venezia1

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Had both jabs two weeks ago, no adverse effect on GCA; only normal slight pains in both arms (similar to effect before I had GCA). If you've had flu jab previously with little effect then suggest you go ahead.- you can always discuss with GP beforehand if you are worried. Dorset Lady.

[Narducci]

Hi

I have had flu jab this week and no side effects at all. I have also had the pneumonia

jab, a couple of years ago, and that gave no problems either.

I would strongly recommend you get both as sufferers of PMR And GCA we are very

vulnerable with our immune systems and these protect us.

[jinasc]

Rule of thumb, if any vaccine is a 'live' one then you must discuss this with the medics. Live ones not a good idea at all with a compromised immune system.

[kingharold11]

Up to 2 weeks ago I was feeling fine, I thought that the PMR had flitted off after nearly 3 years I had a blood test which proved all normal and then I had a flu/pneumo jab 3 days ago. I now feel tired I am sweating a lot more and feel generally useless. I have not got any other PMR symptoms. Could it be the jab Wendy

[Whittlesey]

Hi Wendy, In 2006, I had pneumonia, was hospitalized for it, in Queens, NY. They gave me a pneumonia shot to prevent future pneumonia s. In 1996, years before being diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA), I stopped taking flu shots. I was working full time as a paralegal and I realized that every time I took a flu shot, within in a day or so, I would get very very sick. even to being hospitalized. I was dealing with migraines and this was a lot with this flu, after the flu shot. One year, I didn't take the shot. I made through the entire winter without having the flu. Since then, I have said, "no" to offers of the flu shot and have been "flu free". Wouldn't be surprised if the flu shot caused flares, because if the body is fighting off a flu (even another brand than in the shot) the white cell count will rise and those with PMR and GCA may have flares. Still dealing with GCA, but rarely the flu. There is a movement in the U.S, which rejects all vaccinations. Some studies have shown them to be causes of autism and other illnesses. I had them as a child and was well. But there may be some merit in these studies. It seems that we really don't know all the effects of various vaccinations. I have been vaccinated against Hepatitis C because it made sense, living in NYC. Being cautious when you are diagnosed with GCA or PMR makes sense, I believe. all my best, Whittlesey NYC U.S.

[Eecook79]

I had both jabs yesterday, and today I am so sore I can barely move, nausea and vomiting and a 101 fever. I guess i am expieriencing those "rare" side effects I guess

[palsroger in reply to Eecook79]

I am the same my arm is red and swollen and was shivering with cold and feel awful

I had the jabs 2 days ago.I am wondering if I have an infection from the jabs,arm so sore.

[Charlie1606]

I've developed M.E any connection? FM too