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Original poster

Auto Immune disease and Vaccine

160 replies

ihearttc · 28/11/2020 16:35

Can someone more knowledgeable than me point me in the direct of where I would find information about the effects of the vaccine on people with auto immune disease? I have googled but a bit overwhelmed with information and not entirely sure what I should be looking at.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and only take Hydroxychloriquine (incidentally the wonder drug as suggested by Trump back in April!) but I also work in a school so I’m very keen to have the Vaccine if at all possible. I’m interested in the effects of the Vaccine on my body (I don’t have the flu vaccine as it has made me really poorly in the past) but I feel this is vital to have. Is there a specific one which is better for people with auto immune conditions and if so are we likely to be able to choose which one we have? I’m way way down the list in terms of when I will get it anyway, I’m early 40’s and I’m not the medications for immuno suppressed group.

OP posts:
trulydelicious · 07/02/2021 23:40

Thank you all for giving an account of your experiences. Very helpful

AliceMcK · 07/02/2021 23:58

I have autoimmune issues too, I have no desire to have the vaccine. I’m not taking any other meds at the moment, I’ve had allergic or adverse reactions to everything given to me so far.

I feel there is not enough known about the effects of the vaccine especially long term. I’d be happy to have it in a couple of years, but given I struggle with most medications I’ve been given I’m not prepared to try it just yet.

Bingowin · 08/02/2021 00:10

My DH is immuno suppressed,he had the Pfizer vaccine a couple of weeks ago. A couple of days after it he had a day of feeling a bit rough.

I feel extremely relieved that he’s had it,although his 2nd dose isn’t til April.

I’m in my 40’s and feel like I won’t get it for bloody ages!

Inkpaperstars · 08/02/2021 00:13

I have an auto immune condition, also on HCQ.

I don’t have any real info, but I know that the consultants/Professor I see are very much encouraging people to have the vaccine, presumably whichever one they are offered.

It probably is a good idea to check with your own doctor if in doubt before having it, but I suspect it will be encouraged.

Youmeanyouvelostyourkey · 08/02/2021 00:14

I have AIH and had my jab 2 weeks ago. Apart from a couple days of tiredness, no side effects so glad I had it

Inkpaperstars · 08/02/2021 00:15

Incidentally my DM has previously had a severe autoimmune illness suspected to be reaction to a vaccine, one that can be life threatening though thankfully she was ok. She has already had her first jab against covid, and the expert advice was very much to do so.

AgentStarling7 · 08/02/2021 00:20

I had the Pfizer vaccine, have Crohn’s and take biologics, all given the go ahead but, they aren’t sure yet how successful this will be regarding immune suppressed patients. I had a letter from my hospital which I’ll dig out and post on here tomorrow (currently in bed).

mrshanley · 08/02/2021 00:20

My mother is 59 and has an auto immune disease and is on immune suppressants for the past 20 years as well as 7 other underlying illnesses and has been shielding since March; she had the Pfizer vaccine 10 days ago after speaking to her doctor about it and deciding to go ahead: she felt a bit like she had flu for 24 hr and has been fine since :)

PlayDohDots · 08/02/2021 00:21

I posted in this thread a while back and just popping back to say I had Pfizer on Friday. No problems at all! I felt a bit off yesterday, mostly tiredness, fuzzy head and that slight queasy feeling like you're coming down with something. However it passed very quickly and by evening I was perfectly fine. I have lupus and take hydroxychloroquine (DMARD).

trulydelicious · 08/02/2021 00:24

@Inkpaperstars

She has already had her first jab against covid

Do you know which one she had?

Inkpaperstars · 08/02/2021 01:12

@trulydelicious she had the Pfizer, no reaction so far that she has noticed anyway

thecatneuterer · 08/02/2021 05:44

My mum has RA and has had the vaccine with no ill effects.

ittakes2 · 08/02/2021 07:46

Also following thread thank you.

BoredBeforelEvenBegan · 08/02/2021 09:27

I have RA (I also have trigeminal neuralgia and BMI 32, if that's relevant here - TN is a neurological condition but I don't know if it's a risk factor). Not on any drugs currently - I was about to have a drugs review before Covid kicked in but my appointment has been put back to July and changed to a phone consultation. I've been in a lot of pain over the last few weeks but have been getting by on cocodamol.

Have people with RA been getting invitations for the vaccine already? I've heard nothing and have no idea when I'll get one.

trulydelicious · 08/02/2021 09:33

@Inkpaperstars Thank you

Original poster
ihearttc · 08/02/2021 09:36

Good to know everyone there has had the vaccines are all feeling ok. I’ve currently got Covid so who knows what the vaccine will do to me whenever I eventually get it. I’m a TA and have worked throughout. I feel incredibly angry that I’ve got so close to having the vaccine and have now got it anyway.

OP posts:
Porcupineintherough · 08/02/2021 09:42

Sorry to hear that. How are you feeling?

I've got autoimmune disease and I've had COVID twice so I'll be happy enough to get the vaccine when it's my turn. In the meantime the degree of natural immunity I have (obviously not perfect in my case but the second infection was much milder) is very welcome.

Zem74 · 08/02/2021 09:56

IBD and immunesuppressors - had AZ vac last week. Was advised to take it by GP and IBD nurse

Original poster
ihearttc · 08/02/2021 10:01

Not too bad. Feels like the start of a bad cold.

OP posts:
JoanOfArc8 · 08/02/2021 10:06

This is the info given to me by my local hospital at my last apt.

As some of us are on the same drug pathway, I’m currently on Biologics, I thought it might be of interest to some.

I have had the Pfizer vaccine and all good. Waiting for second vaccine.

I’ve blanked out my hospital name from the info.

Auto Immune disease and Vaccine
trulydelicious · 08/02/2021 10:17

@JoanOfArc8

Very thorough and balanced (considering the information available at the moment)

JoanOfArc8 · 08/02/2021 10:37

@trulydelicious it is very balanced.

I think we’ve all just got to be careful, even once we’ve had the second vaccine, until more is known.

I’m so impressed though with the work done so far and the vaccine roll out, it’s amazing and I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to get the vaccine early. I really hope all the vulnerable groups will be given theirs (if they choose to take up the offer) by the end of Feb.

Abraxan · 08/02/2021 10:49

I have psoriatic arthritis and take immunosuppressant medication.
My consultant and the arthritis charities and websites all say that it's fine to have the vaccine, and that any of the vaccines are safe for us to take.

They do advise talking to your consultant regarding medication if there could be an issue.

Inkpaperstars · 08/02/2021 11:09

Hope you are ok @ihearttc, I can totally understand how frustrating it is to catch it at this point.

rosie39forever · 08/02/2021 11:36

My dh has PA and is on biologicals he had the Pfizer vaccine a week ago and aside from a slightly sore arm he has had no side effects or flare up.

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