Is taking 9mg of prednisolone for PMR being immunocompromised ?

[Potatohead2]

My grand daughter has just had her live chickenpox vaccine and we are due to see them next weekend for her brothers 4th birthday. I had chickenpox as a child. Their parents were given advice to avoid close contact with all people who are immunocompromised for 6 weeks after the vaccine. Does this mean i should consider not attending or is that only if you are taking over 20mg that you are deemed immunocompromised ?

New to this forum ( and PMR) the information and posts here have been really helpful to me . Thank You.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This may help you sort your thoughts out

verywellhealth.com/live-vac...

What is usually meant by "immunocompromised persons" is those who have had solid organ transplants (kidney, heart,liver and so on) and require daily ongoing immunosuppression to prevent rejection of their transplant or patients on chemotherapy. That doesn't even really include high dose pred.

That definition and the info in the link suggests you are fine - not hugging or kissing her might be advisable if you are worried. But the article says if she doesn't have a vesicular (blistery) rash - no problem. It is contact with the fluid in the blisters that would be risky. The same applies for chickenpox itself.

[Potatohead2 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for this - looking forward to the party.😀

[Pollyone]

I too was given the advice from my daughters nurse and we were going on holiday with the baby and family directly after so reassuring to read the notes. I’ve had the shingles single jab so felt a bit reassured re the above even though I think the jab gave me PMR 2 weeks later last year and is mentioned in the American suppliers warning leaflet as being a connection. Feel Im a lone voice on that one tho. Believe the UK now using the superior2 dose system from different supplier and was using up the old single shingles dosages up till Sept 2023.

[Potatohead2 in reply to Pollyone]

Thanks for your reply. It is sometimes difficult to know what to do for the best especially when don’t want to miss out on time with grandchildren.

Interesting your comment about your shingles vaccine and getting PMR. I feel a definite contributory factor to my P MR was a Covid booster. This was misplaced and led to SERVA - shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.

GP said not the case but feel they have to tow the NHS line.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Just wanted to say hello as also a newly diagnosed PMR person. This was helpful for me as on 20mgs, hoping not to go back up tomorrow when attending Moorfields as still some issues with both eyes now. I had thought I was immunosuppressed at 60mgs, I'll read PMRPro's link. Have a lovely time at the party.

[Potatohead2 in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Thanks - hope all goes well at eye hospital. This forum has been really helpful as knew nothing of PMR before diagnosed.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to Potatohead2]

Me neither, fortunately I found it whilst undergoing tests (which seemed to go on forever) so was informed and able to take action sooner to achieve diagnosis and treatment.

I see that you are reducing and are down to 9mgs already? Have you had a look at Dorset Lady's slow taper plans and dead slow plans to avoid the yo-yoing?

[Potatohead2 in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Yes, discussed deadslow taper plans with GP just this week and she agreed to let me do my own thing with that. After reduction from 10 to 9 felt was maybe getting close to lowest dose at this time so want to be cautious

[Fatsiajaponica]

You are on it! Honestly, where would we be without this forum, big thanks to everyone.

[Biscuitdarling]

I understand it is 10mg that considers you immune compromised, but also if you’ve been on pred for several years! Have you had your shingles jab?

I possibly would risk it but wear a mask x

[Rubyju in reply to Biscuitdarling]

To BiscuitdarlingNo, it's definitely 20mg. Just checked with my GP (he consulted the Green Book) as I'd come down to 17.5

[Pippah45]

Apparently the Kennel Cough thing is not advised for owners of dogs going into kennels - I was advised to keep away from dog's nose and saliva for a week! Hopefully ok at lower doses though.