Vaccinations and prednisone

[papadapadoo]

I know that there is concern about whether or not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. My experience has been good. Yesterday, having an appointment to get both COVID and flu shots, I took 10mg of prednisone after breakfast (I have tapered to 4.5). I got the shots, had no pain or sensitivity afterwards, and this morning I woke up without a trace of PMR pain (unusual) or sensitivity to the area on my arm where the shots went in. Today I resumed my taper. Everyone is different, but I thought I would share a happy tale.

[Phoebenooby]

So happy for you! I’m still debating what to do!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Phoebenooby]

I have NEVER considered not having my Covid jab!!!

[Koalajane]

I have never felt the need to increase my dose when having injections but if it works for you okay

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have NEVER considered not having my Covid jab!!!

[Polygolfer]

Not sure what the connection is between taking more steroids and your Covid vaccination but certainly good to take the vaccine as the ‘potential’ possible downsides of taking the vaccine are massively outweighed by the upsides of the protection it gives you!

[PRL1957 in reply to Polygolfer]

That assessment may be statistically true when applied to a large population, but could be inappropriate for individual cases - especially if there are counter-indications from prior experiences. In my case:

(i) 2 doses of Covid vaccine triggered PMR, which took around 34 months to subside. (I am hoping that it has gone away, as I have been off prednisolone for 6 months, now.)

(ii) Subsequently (while on 10 mg/day pred), Covid affected me like a very mild cold. It did not really stop me doing 'usual stuff' and I was 'skipping round the house like a spring lamb' within about 4 days. I produced a negative rapid antigen test result on my first symptomatic day, so we did not even think it was Covid, until my wife came down with the classic symptoms.

True, I do not know how Covid would have affected me if I hadn't had the 2 doses of vaccine, or whether the 10 mg/day pred. helped to suppress a cytokine storm due to my Covid. I am also hoping that the PMR was caused by my over-reaction to a RNA vaccine and that I might be OK with a protein-based vaccine, in case I should be faced with needing further vaccinations in future. Conversely, I know that some cases of PMR can be triggered by conventional (not RNA) vaccines or infections.

So, on an individual basis, one may need to consider a number of factors when making a choice and, in the end, the outcome may depend on luck.

[Polygolfer in reply to PRL1957]

Thanks. If an individual has conditions that are being treated that may prevent them from taking the vaccine their doctor would/should warn them! My sister was one such case. She then caught Covid, it nearly killed her and she is still on oxygen after all these years… Like I said if it’s down to guess work, chances are you are much, much, much better of taking the vaccine. I also ‘think’ the mRNA vaccine may have triggered my PMR but I can only ‘think’ that as neither me nor you nor anyone can be certain of it. Don’t forget, Covid kills and maims, PMR doesn’t and if it’s triggered by the vaccine, chances are it will go away after 6 to 12 months…

[PRL1957 in reply to Polygolfer]

I admit that catching Covid can have some serious long-term or even fatal consequences. I am sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she recovers fully, soon.

Actually, I can be certain the vaccine triggered my PMR. That was clearly shown by my daily temperature record, which I was taking since the pandemic started.

As for how long PMR lasts, 6 to 12 months sounds optimistic. The 'textbooks' suggest around 24 months (but PMR doesn't read the textbooks). Mine lasted 34 months - and I only think or hope that it has gone now.

En route, my PMR also appeared to develop into GCA, which can lead to more serious consequences - although, mine was treated very quickly and didn't cause any long-term problems.

[agingfeminist]

good idea having the jabs...really no need to increase the pred...probably better not to...the higher doses might have a greater immunosuppressive effect on the immune system and maake the jabs less effective...swinging the arms after has really helped me avoid the usual localised pin.

[papadapadoo]

I have found that very briefly (day or two) increasing the prednisone dose eliminates stress and trauma that might otherwise accompany an event (not just shots). It has not been a problem to drop back immediately to the previous dose.