RA Flare Following Covid Vaccine... Anyone Else?

By BlueGemma

1 min read

I was diagnosed about 30 years ago.

Consistent rheumatoid arthritis pain

The only time I’m not in pain is when I’m on prednisone for my asthma.

I always forget what it feels like for other people who do not live with constant, chronic pain.

I always forget what “normal” feels like which makes me really sad.

RA flare after covid vaccine?

I got my vaccine and my pain and exhaustion are 1000 times worse. I’m barely functioning.

I’m teaching remotely and I can’t manage to do that either, let alone take care of myself or the household.

My husband doesn’t understand. As a side note, I’ve never taken any RA meds because the side effects scare me.

Anyone else out there completely unable to function following their covid vaccine???

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Randi Likely Moderator
So sorry to hear you are going through this! I hope that someone is able to comment about a personal experience. I have seen in the community that the experience with the vaccine has been split. Some people experience a great deal of side effects while some are only feeling down the day of their shot. I would say that if this continues for a long time, then be sure to reach out to your doctor. Wishing you the best!
casmere Member
Hi, BlueGemma, I had my vaccine (Pfizer) on mothers day, May 9th. The only thing I had was a sore tender area around where the shot was. I have fatigue and pain avery day so wasn't new for me. I believe it depends on which vaccine you get, and of course the person. My 1 daughter had Astrazenatec and she had total fatigue the next day, then the day after bloodshot eyes. Hope things are better for you. Blessings Casmere
BlueGemma Member
Thanks so much for your reply. I’m new here and so thankful that others care enough to be supportive. I would say the recent flair I’m having is the worst one I’ve ever had... not so much like a quick side effect if my vaccine, but more long term and severe like I’ve never had before. I’m finally on some prednisone, which I have a love/hate relationship with. But at least the pain was better. Be well, Gemma
Deira Member
I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis and am experiencing the worst flare-up I have ever had following Covid 19 vaccination (AZ). Been suffering painful sciatica for over 3 months now with other swollen joints and little sign of improvement. I struggle to walk even with crutches and feel exhausted trying to do simple things. My GP has referred me for physiotherapy and given me a seemingly unlimited supply of codeine tablets- I can only hope this will help. I can't help feeling that the vaccine was a likely trigger.
1. Deira Member
 <inline-mention username="RHall" user-id="3226625"/> Thank you Reggie - I've only had one physio session so far, so it's early days but I've been struggling on crutches since February and assorted bits of me are just packing up with the strain of it all. I was struck by the similarity of symptoms that are suffered by those with "long Covid" to a typical arthritic flare up and given that the purpose of vaccination is to get you to make protective T-cells, is it just a coincidence that I have a complaint where my T-cells attack my own joints? It would be good (IMO) if some serious study and data collection was made into this. The Lancet has reported one definite case of a RA flare up being caused by Covid vaccination - so BlueGemma and I are not the only ones. 
2. casmere Member
 <inline-mention username="Deira" user-id="4175494"/> I am very sorry you are going through this flare-up. When I had my 3rd vaccine, booster, I went into a bad flare-up also. I do have them but this felt different but I really can't say how. It lasted a good 2 weeks the subsided. One thing I should say is you should get a rollator/walker. It would be easier for you to get around with instead of crutches. Blessings and Prayers Casmere
redharley Member
BlueGemma I also had a severe reaction to the Covid shots. My RA medication stopped working and I was in severe pain. I went from mild 24 Vetra to 95. My rheumatologist put me back on prednisone and started me on new RA meds. So far my scores have come down to 48. I did also go an get the booster. I know that to some doesn’t make sense but better safe than sorry. Prayers you get some medical help with your RA.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="redharley" user-id="3198273"/>, I am sorry you had such a strong reaction to the covid vaccine! I do hope you fully recover from your flare. Thanks for sharing your experience with <inline-mention username="BlueGemma" user-id="4163898"/> ! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
RA_Man Member
Hi Gemma, I too feel worse after my vaccines (three in total). Beforehand I was getting more and more active with fitness regimes etc. but now I’m almost crippled every morning or after sitting for long periods. Getting in and out chairs is becoming a joke. I too cannot help but think it was the vaccines … too much of a coincidence. No conspiracy theories but too obvious tbh. People do find it hard to sympathise sometimes as they just cannot imagine RA sufferers different, almost daily, symptoms. Keep believing and stay as active as possible to ensure mobility, no matter how little. Regards, Sandy