Flu jab or not? If yes which one?

[Bowls70]

Just received my invitation to have my flu jab in a couple of weeks. Whilst reading past posts I noticed that some members believe the vaccine could have caused their PMR in the first place. So having been diagnosed in January this year should I have the jab and should it contain adjuvants? I’m feeling very confused. Currently tapering from 11 to 10 mg of prednisolone.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You could ask for the “under 65” version apparently it doesn’t have adjuvants - but please have something. You certainly don’t want flu on top of PMR.

There are plenty of posts to read on the subject.

[Bowls70 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for that. I will enquire about the under 65 version.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have had the flu jab ever since I have lived here and been on pred - had never had a flu jab previously so it didn't cause my PMR. Whether it causes PMR or not you need a flu jab now!

As DL says - look under the relevant posts bit at the side of the page or scoll down through past posts - lots of discussion about it!

[Bowls70 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I have doing a lot of reading but some posts were negative towards the flu jab. I will have it done. As most people say it’s better to have the jab rather than the flu!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bowls70]

As I often say, it might have been the flu jab that overloaded the immune system once too much - but it could have been the flu itself or something else. there is no proof. If, on the other hand, you had a reaction to it more than once it is fair to be doubtful about having it again. But overall - I'd say have it.

[Stifffingers]

Hi

Convinced my PMR, was the start of all my problems.

Flu Jab ... to Bronchitis... Ashtma PMR.

Not for me !

[Purplecrow]

I got my Flu Jab early this week. Feeling fine.

I've gotten one every year for past 35 years, and will continue getting the vaccine for the rest of my life. I'm 73years old.

I have had the flu, and nearly died from that horrible illness. The flu jab did not cause my PMR.

I think stress, two major surgeries in 3 months, and severe seasonal allergies ,... either contributed to.. or caused it.

Regarding the Jab, your individual experience should be your guide...

Just my opinion...

Kindly, Jerri

PMR diagnosed 2013.

[Telian]

I had my flu jab on Wednesday. It's call Fluad and not a live vaccine. I asked it it was 'okay' to have with PMR and she said yes. I had just over 24 hours of a fuzzy head and dry sore throat as if heading for a really bad cold, it then all disappeared. It's your own decision but I wouldn't risk getting flu.

[Hellyowl]

GCA 3.5 years 6 mg Pred. I had the over 65 jab last week. I had a few extra aches and pains and a headache for 24 hours. Took some paracetamol and had an easy day. Fine afterwards. I have had flu jab for years. I used to pay for it before I was eligible. I had flu the swine flu year, it was horrible. It has been given to millions and there doesn't seem to be a good reason to avoid it. Especially if you already have a chronic condition.

[Smokygirl]

Hi Bowls! Apparently there are four different varieties offered here in the UK this year, three of them on the nhs. The one without the immune boosting adjuvant which is suitable for all ages is the Flucelvax Tetra. I am having it next week at my local pharmacy but apparently some surgeries are offering it too. Hope that helps!

[Bowls70 in reply to Smokygirl]

Thank you for the information. I will ask which one is being offered at my surgery.