Hi all
I had my 3rd covid jab today after being called by GP yesterday so the top ups are now happening. The criteria is fairly narrow but can be found on the JCVI recommendations - I'll try and find the link.
The surgery was keen to stress that the immunosuppressed need a three dose regime and I will ALSO be eligible for any follow up boosters.
So I'm a lovely mix of AZ and Pfizer right now.
That is very good news! Did you get your flu jab at the same time, or is that a separate issue?
I was actually booked in for that yesterday but they said to cancel and take covid. Current advice is to leave 7 days in-between the two. These jabs are all coming together ...
As someone who believes that my PMR was triggered by my second jab I am still concerned about having any sort of booster if offered. I also wonder about the wisdom of having a flu jab at the same time. I understood that you were supposed to leave a period of time inbetween vaccines (week?). One of the questions asked when I had my jab was whether I had had any sort of vaccine in the last week.
Yes, they said 7 days in between covid and flu jab today. I'll push for 2-3 weeks if I can.
It's a shame the PMR started after the jab for you. We don't know fully why People get PMR. On this forum it appears that a specific trigger sets it it off (jab, long term stress, bereavement etc) but that the warning signs are there over the longer term. When I look back, I really should have reduced my stress levels and do it all type approach to life long ago.
There's always the risk of a flare up after a booster but then you must weigh up the risks. I would prefer personally to manage a flare than to risk severe covid or flu that might leave me with further complications to live with.
Which vaccines did you have, I've had two AstraZeneca but I'm hoping that Pfizer will be my third if I'm eligible for a third. Also what dose of steroids are you on please, I'm currently on 12mg.
First 2 were AZ and this 3rd was Pfizer.
Currently on 8mg. What is important is what you were taking at the time of your first and second jab. If you check out the JVCI guidance I posted you can check eligibility.
Thank you I was on 18 and 13mg on my first two so should be eligible, did you have the Pfizer at your local surgery? And also did you have any side effects? Sorry for all the questions.
I travelled a bit further to a group vaccination site. Didn't mind!
I felt very fluey for 2 days with the 1st AZ, just a headache with the second. I felt a bit rubbish overnight last night as well but nothing too bad.
Didn't have any flare up for the 1st two either.
Thank you.
Could I ask how high a dose of Pred you are on? My partner is on 8mg so I’m wondering if he would be invited.
Hello.
I'm currently on 8mg but what they look at is what you were on at the time of your initial jabs. I was on 13mg of pred for 1st and 10mg pred and 15mg MTX for second.
I posted the link to the JCVI guidance so you can check for yourself.
I've also heard anecdotally that you would be invited if you are borderline or your GP has reason to think you need it.
Thank you so much.
I just had mine yesterday as well (US). I was in the pharmacy to pick up my adrenal crisis kit and just asked. Easy peasy.
I think it's a bit more straightforward in the US - we can't just go to a pharmacy.
Glad you've had it and got your adrenal kit!
Could I please ask what an adrenal crisis kit is? Not heard of that one here in England!
It is a kit with hydrocortisone injections for self-administration in the event of an adrenal crisis emergency. They are issued in the UK - SheffieldJane had one issued to her out of the blue after she was referred to endocrinology after a poor synacthen test result. But dialling 999 works too - paramedics carry the needful too.
Thanks for this - I just hadn’t heard of it! Should I ask for a synacthen test do you think? I have a Reumy app in November- have had PMR for five years and am now on 3.5 msg for the first time after having tried numerous times to get down! Not sure what happens to the adrenal glands in all of this! Thanks.
You are getting to the stage where it is worth asking about one - no point at higher doses really. The adrenal glands are currently having to return to duty and top up the dose of pred to the amount of corticosteroid the body needs to function day to day - if you feel OK as you drop you are most likely OK but that isn't guaranteed and one lady felt fine at 2mg but had no reserve adrenal function at all so did need a bit more pred and the emergency cover option.
There is a section of explanatory posts in the FAQs.
Thanks so much for your prompt reply. I understand now what it’s all about! I’ll ask Rheumie what he thinks - been seeing once a year but really don’t get much info from him - too busy I guess to give proper explanations about the illness. This site has been invaluable over the years for me. Ta
Covid jab
COVID jab
Immunosuppressed??? 
Covid jab update
