Covid jab during a diverticulitis flare with some PMR stiffness.

[SheffieldJane]

I am due to have my Covid booster on 18/5. I am experiencing a diverticulitis flare accompanied by PMR stiffness and pain. Would it be sensible to postpone the vaccination ? haven’t experienced ill effects from my previous vaccines. I have been waiting a few weeks for this jab. Could Pred sick day rules dosing help. I am slow tapering to 4.5 mgs from 5 mgs.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I'd be inclined to postpone it...so long as you have it before the end of June should be fine...so then you'll have 6 months before the next round of Autumn boosters .🤦‍♀️..

..and just keep your eye on the PMR issues..

[Songbird69]

Nothing concrete to base my theories on, but if it were me, I would delay the jab. I had my original jabs when I wasn’t well enough and they caused me no end of problems. Play safe!

[SnazzyD]

If it were me I would delay but then vaccines seem to make me go haywire. Having it now when your immune system is having a bit of a hissy fit might be a step too far, though to be honest nobody can say for sure how it’ll react. As you say, you haven’t in the past. Upping the Pred makes the efficacy of the vaccine less assured.

[HeronNS]

I don't think you should increase pred as a precaution. Agree with SnazzyD that it would further dampen your immune response to the vaccine. And especially as none of your previous vaccines have caused problems. Just make sure that you are prepared to rest after the shot, and maybe feel wiped out for a day. 🍀

[ClarkB]

I had my Pfizer jab at the end of April Jane. I wasn’t feeling very well, but they tend to ask if you have a cold or sore throat which I didn’t. I thought as I haven’t felt well at all for ages I might as well have it, despite a weakened immune system, or I never will. I had achy arm and felt a bit lethargic for a day or two but was ok. I wouldn’t like to suggest you to go ahead as I did, in case you did have a bad reaction, but I suppose I was just taking a chance, fingers crossed!

[SheffieldJane in reply to ClarkB]

Yes, I would find it hard to find a good day to have it too.

[autumnlass in reply to ClarkB]

Very similar circumstances to you ClarkB - and am due vitrectomy next week and to restart MTX a week after operation. I was due Covid Spring Booster too and was apprehensive about juggling all these things! 😵‍💫. I did go ahead with the jab (Pfizer) last Saturday and have been absolutely fine. No reaction at all. We all need an 😇 sometimes!

[ClarkB in reply to autumnlass]

Apologies for my late comment! Am so pleased that you had no reaction and feel fine after the Pfizer jab. At the time I felt that I could have felt worse, had I waited for a later date to have the booster. Hope all goes well with your op!

[autumnlass in reply to ClarkB]

Thank you! 🌷

[Grammy80]

...just a positive note for you, Jane, I had my sixth and felt nothing but soreness in my arm. I'd agree with delaying until the big 'D' quiets down. Good luck!!💞

[SheffieldJane]

Thank you everyone! I may go ahead there is more going on later in the year. It’s a gamble.

[powerwalk in reply to SheffieldJane]

Good luck. Hope it goes ok.

[HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane]

Good luck. I had a fourth Pfizer after previously three Pfizer (little reaction beyond mildly stiff arm) and two Moderna (strong reaction especially to first one, less so the bivalent). I hardly even had a sore arm. If there hadn't been a little red dot on my arm I would have wondered whether I even received it!

[Grammy80]

You are a tough one, SJ 💞

[Missus835]

All the best Jane in whatever your decision. I would put it off...but that's just me. Diverticulitis also acting up and sciatica as well. I don't think I'd be able to get the booster either.