RSV vaccine?

[Spartans1]

Hi all! Is there any reason that I might want to avoid the RSV vaccine with my PMR? I also have delayed getting the most recent covid booster since I had covid last September and hoping that immunity is going to last awhile. As always, so appreciate the advice on this great site.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Found this online from your side of the pond..not used extensively in UK at present

The vaccines are non-live vaccines that contain a part of the RSV virus (called a protein). The vaccine does not contain a whole virus or a live virus. The RSV vaccine cannot cause an infection in people with a weakened immune system. DATED 16 Aug 2023

[Spartans1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The immunity due to Covid infection wanes in about 6 months and was only for that particular variant, it provides no enhanced immunity to any other variant. Immunity due to the vaccine is much wider as it is developed to the spike protein which is common to all variants.

I don;t know much about the RSV vaccine but as a PMR patient on pred your immune system can do with all the help it can get. I don't see a reason not to get it if it is offered.

[SnazzyD]

My experience of Covid is that you can’t count on having the right antibodies. I assume this because in Sept I got it very mildly in Sept, recovered and two weeks later got it again from holiday abroad. A bit worse but mild though I my gut was upset for about 6 weeks and my muscles a bit achey. My fit husband got a chest infection with it. Got it again in December but that was much much worse with very high fever, loss of taste, very sore throat and gut issues again. My muscles have been hammered with bulk loss.

Interestingly, looking at the variant profile over that period in the UK, there were two main competing variants in Sept with a new one just about coming in. By December all three were on about level pegging for dominance. I suspect my December one was the new type.

[Spartans1 in reply to SnazzyD]

Good information….time to plan to get both those vaccines!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Spartans1]

Definitely get booking , if you have any concerns about vaccines you can always request for your GP to do them separately, a week or two apart but the benefits of having them far outweigh the risk. Take care , stay safe, keep positive , Bee

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

And the one from abroad was a slightly different one too.