PMR after AstraZeneca vaccine

[GrandmaPirate]

My PMR flared up after my first shot of Astra Zeneca's covid-19 vaccine on 12 April. Will have my 2nd shot on 5th July.

Anyone experienced similar PMR worsening? If nobody reports it, it will remain unknown, although it may be important for patients and health care workers.

[Rache]

I didn’t experience a worsening of PMR. I just had a headache for the first day and a slightly tender arm for a few days. If it’s any comfort, I believe with the AZ vaccine, the side effects are likely to be less with the second jab. I had none at all with the second.

[Theziggy]

I had no flare ups or side effects after both jabs of Astra Zeneca.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There have been reports on the forum of flares after other vaccines too - there are several threads talking about it.

I was OK after the first Moderna shot but about a week after the second I developed fatigue and a few possible PMR flare symptoms which have taken some weeks to fade. Nothing would have stopped me having the jab though!

[Mojobumble]

Hi GrandmaPirate

How did your 2nd jab go? My first jab on 24 Jan21 started my PMR so i was unable to physically go for my 2nd jab. Im now well beyond the 12 weeks and unable to get advice as to whether a 2nd jab at this late stage will be effective.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mojobumble]

Certainly better than not having it!

[GrandmaPirate in reply to Mojobumble]

I got NO fever, no surge in PMR, only sudden weight gain (probably water retention) of 1 kg, and it took me 10 days to return to the weight I had before the second AZ injection. I am also back to 40 minutes of pilates, 14000 steps, 30 minutes of indoor rowing and on 3mg pred/day. Next Tuesday appointment with rheumy. If in Belgium a 3rd vaccination injection is offered at the end of the year, I will certainly go for it.

[Mojobumble in reply to GrandmaPirate]

Good to hear 👍