Flu jab -PMR

[Golden20]

Hi everyone, does anyone have any experience of flare up after a flu jab?

[Koalajane]

I have had a fair few flu jabs and never had a flare after. I am sure some may have done

[Golden20 in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you very much. I think that maybe I’m being a wee bit paranoid. I’m now due for my flu jab and am attempting to taper my pred, doing quite well, so far. 🤞Just don’t want to do anything that may hinder my progress. Thanks again.

[HalleysComet in reply to Golden20]

I have just today had a flu jab. Hardly noticed it and it hasn’t given me any adverse symptoms …yet!

[Kendrew]

I've had 3 flu jabs now and so far no adverse effects or interaction with meds.

[Golden20 in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you Kendrew.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I haven't so far - been having flu jabs for several years now.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

This subject could become an FAQ...guess it’s the time of year, along with ‘should I have the shingles jab, the pneumonia jab & the vaccine booster etc’) ...your choice, of course, but looks like people need help to choose, though each person’s reaction is different!

[Golden20 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your comments. I’ve always had the flu jab without thinking about it really but I’m not so sure now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Golden20]

It really is being highly recommended this year, especially for people like us.

[Janet917 in reply to PMRpro]

No reaction at all.

[jaycee444]

Have had this years flu jab with no after effects.

[cycli]

first jab in my life so was concerned. No problem at all.

[Crowsfeet]

I had my first bout of pmr in 2005 after a flu shot. Because I suspected a link between the two I didn’t have another shot for 15 years. Then when COVID hit we were encouraged to get the flu shot. I had mine in late 2020 and then came down with my second bout of pmr. Could be just a coincidence given the experience of others but I will always wonder!

[Golden20 in reply to Crowsfeet]

Thank you so much for your comments. They are much appreciated. I’ve had flu jabs for many years with no adverse effects. I was diagnosed with pmr almost 3 years ago and was tapering my pred dose. I had my first Covid jab on 30th January with no ill effects and subsequent 2nd jab on 16 April. Shortly afterwards I experienced a really nasty flare up, almost as bad as my very first bout of pmr. I had to go back to a higher dose of pred and am only now tapering my prednisone again. I don’t want to experience that pain again, if I can in anyway avoid it. I know there have been a few recorded flare ups, in some cases where the aduvanted flu vaccine has been used. Perhaps I’m being over cautious! Thank you again. I hope that you stay well.

[Doodlebug18 in reply to Golden20]

Exactly what happened to me. Now conflicted about booster

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doodlebug18]

If the vaccine is problematic - just think what Covid might do!

[Macas in reply to PMRpro]

My PMR started after my flu jab 11 years ago but guessed it was probably because I was generally “run down “.I am having my COVID Booster jab on Friday and my flu jab 2 weeks later.

[Golden20 in reply to Doodlebug18]

I still don’t know whether to have it or not. I did have the flu jab today and had the adjuvanted flu vaccine, as it was the only one being given to my age group. I suppose it comes down to weighing up the risks. My Granddaughter tells me that it’s a no brainier and to get it. She says, Nan, I know you’re in a lot of pain when you get a flare up but you’ll just have to take more of your medicine, until you’re better. At least you’ll still be here. Out of the mouths of babes! I wish you all the best when making your decision. Stay safe.

[Flivoless in reply to Crowsfeet]

I developed PMR a few weeks after my first Covid Jab (AZ) and I can't help but suspect a link. It took a while to get the diagnosis so I was still in pain when I had the second jab and it didn't seem to make matters worse but was started on Pred shortly after. Could just be coincidence but?

[Golden20 in reply to Flivoless]

As you say, it could be coincidence but I’m not so sure really. After My second Covid jab, my pmr flare up was awful. Not sure what I’ll decide to do when called for the Covid booster. Stay safe and thanks for your reply.

[Billiebobdog in reply to Flivoless]

I asked my GP about that as my first jab made me feel like I’d been hit by a bus, second nothing - however I now think my PMR had been attempting to appear in its full glory for quite a few months prior to that and diagnosis - she did point out that the vaccine was designed to instigate an immune response so didn’t think I could link it to my PMR

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Billiebobdog]

Though that could be disputed - PMR is the result of a culmination of insults to the immune system over years and eventually something is the straw that breaks the camel's back and the immune system goes haywire. It can be illness, injury, emotional or physical stress - or a vaccine or medication/chemical. Some people develop PMR soon after a flu jab - others have never had one, or a shingles jab whereas others have had neither shingles or the jab. So why shouldn't it have been the Covid jab?

[Billiebobdog in reply to PMRpro]

Well I would certainly think that the COVID jab played a part because the effect of the first one, which only lasted a day, was exactly how the PMR was behaving when it decided to make a full appearance

[Golden20 in reply to PMRpro]

Very good point. This PMR certainly is a weird one! It certainly is a lottery as to how it starts and why. Probably always been around but just put down to ageing. I know my dear old Nan was riddled with rheumatism in later life. I’m so glad that we can all connect with one another on this site. ThankYou.

[mloyuken in reply to Crowsfeet]

I had my 2nd Moderna shot on Feb. 12. Two weeks later my pmr started, took 1 month to find a GP that diagnosed properly, started on 40 mg. Now down to 6 mg and proceeding 10% reduction every 10-14 days. Had 1 flare up upon reduction from 7 to 5 mg (too much). So went back to 7 mg. and have reduced more cautiously. I will always wonder if the 2nd moderna initiated the PMR. I hear the Moderna is stronger than the Pfizer shot and different lipid carriers may cause a reaction (but PMR no one knows). The lipid carrier in Moderna and Pfizer is PEG (each may have a variation) while J&J is polysorbate. I have questioned getting the flu vaccine at this time, but with the Delta variant it is recommended to wear a mask while in congested areas and hand washing, so maybe that will suffice this year in flu prevention.

[123-go]

Slightly sore arm for a few hours. Try not to worry yourself. Have the jab and do very little for the rest of the day 😉.

[Golden20 in reply to 123-go]

Thank you.

[Bcol]

I've not yet had a reaction to either flu or Covid jabs, but got my next one on Saturday so fingers crossed for the same result.

[Marijo1951]

My flu jab is booked for this Friday. I've had the annual jab for years and, apart from a temporarily sore arm, have never had a bad reaction pre- or post- PMR/GCA. I suffered some terrible bouts of flu in the past and hope to avoid another dose of it for the rest of my life.

[Retallack]

No problems last year when on 8mg or this year when on 4.5mg.

[Tuppence55]

Had my flu jab on Thursday and no side effects whatsoever, not even a sore arm! 🤗

[Manihiki]

I have had three since diagnosis and no reactions at all

[Laineydee]

I have had flu jabs for years with no adverse effects. However I did start with PMR symptoms with diagnosis confirmed, 4 weeks after the Covid jab,(AZ) with subsequent flare after the second dose and have always suspected a link. I am shortly to be called for a flu jab and probably a Covid booster and shall still accept them as I believe we need as much protection as possible. We encounter flare ups all the way along the road of this difficult journey. We have to be able to deal with them too.

[Pixix]

Never, & had it for 15 years, since I was 50!

[Floridafan]

I think the question here is are there more reactions to the flu vaccine with the adjuvant than without. I’m unsure which flu vaccine to have this year as I’m now 65. Previous vaccines have all been without the adjuvant but now I will be routinely given the over 65’s jab. I’m thinking as I’ve been ok with the previous ones I may ask if I can have the under 65’s just in case

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Floridafan]

Except you have also to bear in mind that as we age, it is known we need more stimulation of the immune system for it to work well. I take what I'm offered - and the GP didn't know there was a choice!

[Golden20 in reply to Floridafan]

My thoughts are on this are much like yours. I read a piece on EJR which mentioned a case of adverse reactions to the adjuvanted influence vaccine. I’ve got my flu jab today at Boots, so I’ll ask which vaccine they are using. Then make my decision. Thank you for comment.

[Floridafan in reply to Golden20]

I went into Boots the other week to ask if I could have the under 65 vaccine even though I am now 65. I was told that they can only give the age appropriate vaccine and that I would need to have it done at my doctors. They have both vaccines but you will only be given the correct one for your age.

[Golden20 in reply to Floridafan]

I’ve just had the flu jab at my local Boots. Like you, I too asked the Pharmacist if I could have under 65 jab and her answer was the same as you had. She asked me to let her know how I get on and made a note of it. So I’ve had it, 🤞hopefully no nasty flare up. Stay safe. Thank you.

[scottygirl73]

No never had a flare after flu jag,but some might have.xx

[PUMC]

I had my first incidence of PMR after the senior (4times stronger) flu shot and the Shingrex vaccine on the same day. I skipped the flu shot last year; plan on getting the regular strength one this year.

[Sandradsn]

I've had 4 flu jabs since diagnosis..without any reaction or flares

[Norski1]

Had the flu jab for years with no problems even with the adjuvant then last year I had a massive flare of my Pmr the day of the vaccine, pain calmed down by upping the pred but had 5 months of total fatigue, N

[Golden20 in reply to Norski1]

I’m so sorry to hear that you suffered a massive flare up. It’s horrendous. I’ve just had the flu jab and it was aduvanted vaccine. I’m keeping everything crossed that I’ll have no adverse reactions. Good luck with coping with your PMR. Stay safe and thank you.

[Jane424]

I developed PMR following my last flu shot. It was life changing

[Golden20]

So sorry to hear that. I hope that you are soon able to get it under control. It took me 6 months, to return to a manageable level again after my last flare up. Whether it was the second Covid jab that caused it, I don’t know. Good luck.

[Exflex]

Unfortunately you can get 10 or more thumbs up and you (or I) could be the one. Low numbers are not statistically relevant but possibly reassuring.If you asked how comfortable I would feel having the adjuvanted flu and Covid jab together (L&R arm) I would be more cautious and possibly ask for a gap of a week between the two.

[Alchemy8 in reply to Exflex]

What is the difference between the under and over 65 flu jabs? Adjuvants?? I had heard that they were planning the put the Covid booster in one arm and the flu vaccine in the other to save time!! Not a great idea I would have thought for the likes of us!

[Exflex in reply to Alchemy8]

Yes, those 65 and over get the adjuvanted flu vaccine. It kick starts the innate immune system and in turn the immune system creates antibodies and T cells. The CV19 booster will be an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or 1/2 strength Moderna) that uses the host muscle cells to make spike proteins, and in turn the immune system generates B and T cells (the T cells call an end to the mRNA spike generating party, by the way, so you don’t get ill as a consequence).

Having thought about it further I think I would accept both vaccines together.