COVID Vaccine

[Nerak12]

Hi all. Just thought I’d give people hope. I’m 63 and live in Hertfordshire. PMR is fortunately my only current health problem. Been on pred 3 years & started MTX in September. Got my invite for first jab today & will be having it next Wednesday, so they are cracking through the population. Fingers crossed all goes well and good luck to everyone with theirs. Freedom is getting nearer 😀

[Arflane97G]

I was 60 on Monday - pmr only issue - first jab today so yes, does look like vaccine programme is going well

[whitefishbay]

Lucky you. I work in two secondary schools and volunteer at a homeless shelter. I have PMR (dregs of), underactive thyroid (does this count as autoimmune?), and past atrial septal defect (back way back in 1971) but heard nothing from my surgery. My question to you experts is: Does it help to boost immunity if you have been in schools with students and on public buses?

Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to whitefishbay]

Underactive thyrois MAY be autoimmune - depends on the diagnosis.

Sorry - don't know what you mean about "it" and boosting immunity . Once you have been in schools etc it's a bit late.

[whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro]

Sorry I am so inarticulate. Does being out and about in the community (at school with people/students and on public buses) boost your immunity do you think? I know it also puts you more at risk to catch Covid 19.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to whitefishbay]

Being out in the fresh air regularly, especially when it is cold, is said to benefit your immune system. But so does ending your shower with a period of cold water! (That's proven in a study believe it or not - the cold swimmers do have a point!)

I really don't know about the mixing with people aspect - you are certainly likely to catch things and maybe develop immunity to that particular bug! But it doesn't happen by magic.

[whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Roll on the vaccine and summer.

[Suet3942]

That's good news Neraki. Prof Dasgupta recommends stopping Mx for 1 week before and 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine. Thought this would be helpful to you. Good luck. I've got mine tomorrow.

[MrsNails in reply to Suet3942]

Hi Sue

Good Luck 🍀 with your injection tomorrow, have you seen/read/heard the Profs Recommendation re MTX? There’s nothing ‘Official’ on BSR Website at the moment & l’m reluctant to mess with my MTX at the moment as l’m really struggling.

We’re very behind in Telford with the Vaccine Roll Out so l haven’t had my Invitation yet.....

Hope you’re doing OK?

Angela x

[Suet3942 in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks for your reply Angela. My rheumy nurse told me that mtx stays in the system for 3 to 4 weeks so I’ve been taking mine every other week on her recommendation because if hair loss. I seem to be ok. Touch wood, xx

[MrsNails in reply to Suet3942]

Very Good, have you seen or read the Profs Recommendation on stopping MTX before/after MTX?

[Nerak12 in reply to Suet3942]

Thanks. I’d forgotten about stopping & restarting MTX, so timely reminder. That will work well as I normally take on a Tuesday & jab is on Wednesday. Good luck.