PMR, Covid vaccine and Histamine

[NursePeggy]

I know that several others like me have a problem with Histamine as well as PMR and I wondered if any of you have information if its safe for us to have the vaccine for Covid ? Bearing in mind the publicity over two health workers having anaphylactic shock last week and having to use their Epi pens. My doc is sitting on the fence about it !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Your doctor probably doesn't know any more than most of us at the moment...one would hope by the time you are called for vaccine things will be clearer!...maybe 🤷‍♀️

[NursePeggy in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset Lady you are probably right. Although the amount my doctor knows about Histamine would fit on the back of a postage stamp !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to NursePeggy]

He would need that much space?

[NursePeggy in reply to PMRpro]

My first chuckle of the day ! Unfortunately I seem to have lost my emojis !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to NursePeggy]

oh dear, how sad, never mind!🤣😂🤣

[Pollynolongerinagony]

Hello NursePeggy, I was diagnosed with PMR end August 2019 and was prescribed 20mg Prednisalone. During September I had 3 terrifying anaphylactic shocks for the first time ever, believed to be triggered by steroids. I now have to carry an EpiPen at all times. Following other complications last week my Doctor has advised me for now, to err on the side of caution, and not to have the vaccine, in response to the news of the two poor nurses, (who carry EpiPen's), had an anaphylactoid responses to it. This makes sense to me ,as I am in the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Group, and like many of us PMR folk, I've been shielding since March. When it's his turn, and all being well, my lovely husband will have the vaccine, which in turn will afford us a greater level of protection in our home. Of course, everything is up in the air for us all anyway at the moment , due to the discovery of the New Variant, and it will take time to understand the repercussions of this Mutation. Having the current vaccine is a terribly difficult decision for each individual, but arming ourselves with unbiased robust information, is the best weapon in our armoury, and this forum is an invaluable help to us all. Take care, and I wish you well. Grandmother Polly.

[NursePeggy in reply to Pollynolongerinagony]

Hi Polly, I have only just seen your great reply. You must have been through a terrifying time, waiting and dreading another anaphylactic shock. I can fully understand your decision not to have the vaccine. I am still not sure. My doctor has suggested I take an antihistamine the night before and one an hour before having the vaccination. I have a week or two more to think about it and do more research. Take care and keep well.