covid and flu jab

[pastamaid]

my pmr started 6 days after last years flu and covid jab. I’m scared of having this years booster, as my pmr is quite controlled on the steroids. What do people think

[Positive__]

Hi pastamaid,

That must be so scary. I've had no problems with the Flu or Covid jabs before PMR. Now I have PMR I was worried but after reading on here I decided to have them both this year which worked out a week apart from each other (I think I read probably best to have them a week or ideally 2 weeks apart). No problems. I am more scared about getting Flu or Covid so really wanted to do all I could to minimise the chance. So now I've had them I am really pleased. Good luck with your decision.

[NewPMR in reply to Positive__]

I’m newly diagnosed with PMR. I’ve had both jabs, fortunately with no problems, the advice on the forum is definitely to have the vaccinations, preferably leaving a gap between them. With steroids I understand that our immune systems are compromised and getting flu or Covid could potentially be worse for us. It appears on the NHS website that even those living with folks with compromised immune systems are eligible to get the vaccinations. I am sure that one of the pro advisors will reply to you soon. Wishing you all the best.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Your choice of course, but NHS are really concerned this winter is going to be more difficult -so advising all eligible to get vaccines offered.

As mentioned, not both at same time, leave 2 weeks between.

[Koalajane]

It is your choice entirely but I am having mine and have taken any vaccination offered with no problems other than a slightly achey arm. I have been on prednisolone for 7 years.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any vaccine can be the final trigger for an autoimmune disorder like PMR to develop - as can the illnesses they are to protect you from, and a whole range of other things like illness, injury, chemical or environmental things, emotional or physical stress, or a load of other things.

Most of us developed PMR long before Covid, many had never had a flu jab, some of us had a flare after one Covid jab and not again, many didn't even have that. And if the Covid jab might do that - just think what a severe dose of Covid might do?

This winter could be a difficult one with infections - get them, but preferably not 2 on the same day so you know what causes what.

[SheffieldJane]

You could ensure that you have the 2 vaccines separated by 2 or 3 weeks this time.

[Pixix]

had flu jab yesterday & covidjab in two weeks. A lot of people I know aren’t having covidjabs this year, they say they’ve had enough & feel like a pincushion. These are healthy people who don’t believe in helping others! This could lead, in itself, to a worse winter for Covid. But it’s your choice. All we can say is how it affected us!