Flu vaccine

[Gary1310]

Hi, I experienced a PMR flare about a month after getting my flu vaccine in 2018. I mentioned it to my Rheumatologist and he did not think it was connected. I wonder if it was connected. Does anyone on this site feel that there is a connection?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At a month difference I'd be inclined to think not. I would have expected it to be sooner.

But flare or not - I'd be having my flu hab this year!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It has been discussed before- but no concrete proof - and agree with PMRpro re time-lapse and the need to get this year’s vaccination.

[Gary1310 in reply to DorsetLady]

..ty🌹

[Dambusters]

It never affected me and I will be having another Oct 3

[Bcol]

Off for my Flu jab this morning, first one since PMR, will update on any/if abnormal reaction.

[DogAgilityObsessed]

I had to ring the surgery yesterday so took the opportunity to ask about a flu jab. I was told I was now on the main list (as opposed to the general 50-65 group) because I was a carer. Not sure what that was about (I’m not a carer) but she agreed to book my jab for October.

[kezzybabes]

Interesting as I am having a flare at moment 2 months after jab. Been pred free for 18 months.

[SnazzyD]

I don’t know how it can be said to be yes or no. Autoimmunity can be slow or fast in its development so a month could be a reasonable length of time to assume it might take if triggered. General evidence for long term effects of vaccines depends on when studies stop looking and some vaccines have been as little as three weeks. Given that full seroconversion usually takes a good 2-3 weeks to develop, it shows the body certainly hasn’t finished its work a week later. BUT, it is also easy to point the finger at anything that sticks its head above the parapet when we cast around for reasons for our illness. Humans are very good at seeing patterns in things where there is none. It may be it was the combination of a number of things around the time so, if the flu jab pushed you over the edge it may not have done had other aspects of your life not been there. Same as when people get PMR or any other drastic complications after an infection that on another occasion would have been fine. You don’t know what your internal environment was like; an infection can be hassling your immune system but you weren’t aware. Flu is no bundle of laughs either. It’s a tough one for sure.

[Gary1310]

Hi, I checked my records. I received the “Senior dose” flu vaccine on Oct 3, 2018. I had my first flare Dec7, 2018. Blood test with Positive Rheumatoid Factor on Dec 14, and High CPR.... I was diagnosed with PMR on Jan. 14, 2019. I will not get the Covid Vaccine.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gary1310]

As is often pointed out - if it hadn't been the flu vaccine that tipped the immune system over the edge, it could have been the flu itself that you got because you hadn't had the vaccine. And frankly - I'd rather take my chances with the vaccine than with the real virus. Neither the pneumonia or other effects of the virus nor the chance of it triggering long Covid appeals to me.

[Gary1310]

....well I never had any flu symptoms. I felt well and was getting ready for my annual winter in the south after the Christmas Holidays ....Suddenly on Dec 7, I woke up feeling like I was hit by a truck!