Concerns that taking daily prednisolone reduces the efficacy of the Covid vaccine

[Laineydee]

Hi, I’m new here and pleased to join the forum. I was diagnosed with polymyalgia in April this year, three weeks after having my first Covid jab and my first question is: I wonder whether anyone else has thought the jab may be a trigger for this disease, or maybe in my case it was just a coincidence - but I can think of no other obvious triggers. But now my concern is whether taking daily prednisolone - and I’m currently on 9mg daily- reduces the efficacy of the vaccine. I’ve read some online studies which suggest it may but wonder if anyone has been given medical advice as regards vulnerability. I’m particularly concerned as lockdown restrictions are now lifting and whereas I had begun to feel more confident about resuming normal life, I am now not so sure. Does anyone have any comments or advice on this?

[Seacat30]

My symptoms started 5 days after my first AstraZeneca injection and I don't think that is a coincidence. (Quite a lot of people have had similar experiences with all the various Covid vaccines.) I managed to hang on and get my second vaccination done before starting the steroids. I am currently on 15mg and about to try going down to 12.5mg. I don't know what that means for my immunity but I intend to be super careful.

[123-go]

Welcome Laineydee. I'm afraid that I can't answer your question as to whether the vaccine may cause PMR but others here will be responding.There has been more acknowledgement recently that there's been a lack of advice from the powers that be for people who are autoimmune.* The general consensus in this community seems to be to continue as you have been doing, e.g. avoiding crowded places, meeting people outdoors and limiting social interactions.

* Prednisiolone suppresses the immune system to manage the inflammation that causes pain and so our response to the virus may be weakened and leaves us more open to infection. There are studies being carried out currently but we won't know the results for who knows how long. The initial trials for the vaccine didn't include people with autoimmune conditions. However, it's been said that we will have obtained some level of protection if not to degree that healthier people have managed.

You have done well to reach 9mg Pred in three months.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are quite a few on the forum who have reported either developing PMR/GCA after the vaccine or having a flare, whatever vaccine they had. Since there is no single cause of either PMR or GCA it is very likely it was the vaccine that was the final straw breaking the camel's back:

Any form of stress can impinge on the immune system. There is no single cause of either PMR or GCA - it is thought to be the accumulation over the years of the effects of stress that affects the immune system - it can be environmental, chemical, physical or mental stress, illness or injury. Eventually one is simply too much and tips the immune over the edge and it becomes deranged, unable to recognise the body as self and so it attacks various tissues. causing damage and inflammation.

There are also people on the forum who were taking pred when they had the vaccine who have had antibody tests that show they have developed something in response to the jab. Others have not developed antibodies. How conclusive that it remains to be seen. I have assumed that I have either not developed a response or it is poor - and have not changed my behaviour even though I am fully vaccinated and have been since April.

Even if we are resistent to the current variants, the large number of cases in the UK now means there is an increased risk of other variants developing and one will eventually be resistent to the vaccines - and we will be back where we were. This concept seem a mystery to the government - because the one thing that is certain is that wearing a mask, avoiding being too close to others and avoiding crowded places works whichever variant is involved and they are measures that should be continued,

This post of mine is very relevant:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[cranberryt]

I have been told that being on any dose of prednisone can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine and to behave as if I have not been vaccinated. So we take all precautions, mask up and avoid large crowds still.

[Hidden]

There are so many unknowns as far as the Covid 19 vaccine goes it's scary. I myself developed Tinnitus 2 weeks after my second Pfizer dose back in March and STILL have it. I went to ENT and was told many MANY people are complaining of this issue after the Moderna and/or Pfizer Covid Vac.. BUT of course, it won't be stated that it is a result of the Covid Vaccine. I am a "lifer" on Predisolone. I was told that the biggest worry or concern was patients taking a dose of 20mg daily. Steroids alone reduce your immune system but so do pretty much ALL the medications taken for RA. Honestly, I just still wear a mask and practice good hygiene. That would be my advice to anyone with any type of health issues. No one knows for sure just how effective the Covid Vacs are for people with other diseases and health issues!