If you’re not aware of Creaky Joints, they’re one of my go-to places for trustworthy information on RA. They have an entire section about living with RA and dealing with the pandemic, including the most current info on the vaccines and a wealth of resources to answer questions and provide support. Link is below.
On a personal front, like many places, the demand in Dallas for the vaccine is outpacing the supply and there isn’t a lot of organization. We have a “provider map” for Texas that lists the places you can get the vaccine and how many doses of which vaccine(s) they’ve received. While neither my PCP or rheumatologist have received a supply, I was pleased that my local pharmacy has started receiving some of the Moderna vaccine. While I will get the vaccine, right now, I’m committed to staying put until things settle down. I’m not willing to go to the County Health Office, and the private suppliers are getting wiped out quickly. If you’re interested, I’ve put the link to the Texas availability map below as well.
I am hoping that you and yours continue to stay safe and healthy. Thanks for checking in.
https://creakyjoints.org/category/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/
https://txdshs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=91ac7fb5e5fd47e7ada4acfe4a05920a
Carla's Corner 
I think that we are slated to get one at the beginning of February. I can imagine that you are ready to get your’s so that you can get out and about again. Maybe to Arkansas to watch some basketball?
Gosh, was that a subtle hint? Well, stay posted! Actually I think it will probably be April or May before we get ours but we’ll see. Be safe!
Sounds like yours is as much a ‘postcode lottery’ as ours is, but for different reasons … although the fundamental reason is again organisation. My mum (over 80) has just had her second one so I’m really pleased about that, but other over-80 friends in different areas haven’t even got a date for their first one yet. (As it’s all on the NHS, it’s not a question of people having to source there own, but they have to sit back and wait their turn.) No idea when my turn will be but I’ll be getting it when my turn comes … my RA and treatment is so relatively mild that I feel my risk of COVID is much higher than any risk from the vaccine. (I could be wrong, but that’s my opinion!)
Thanks, Polly! I’m getting all kinds of patient input that spans the gamut. I’m hopeful we’ll all get the vaccination but on this side of the pond, it’s a matter of sorting out where to get it. You and hubby please stay safe! We want to see you again (soon)!
I live outside of Detroit, MI. My RA Dr and I have phone visits. He said he would let me know what to do when he does. That was the middle of Dec. Also said to stop my Methotriate 2 wks prior to vaccine. Mean time, I stay home 90% of the time and always wear a mask, sanitize etc.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. While more information is coming in as data is collected from the vaccinations being given, there appears to still be some uncertainty about things. I think your plan of action — talk to your doctor and be safe in the meantime — is a great approach! Stay safe!
My RA doctor has given the green light to his patients to get the vaccine. I am on Orencia and he sent out communication to get the two doses at the 2 week mark since Orencia is every 4 weeks Needless to say I am very nervous about it. I am scheduled for March 1st for the 1st dose . He then suggested that I skip Orencia the month of March. My RA is steady right now and I don’t want to mess things up. Easy to do.. right? Has anyone gotten the Pfizer vaccine yet on the biologics? Help me with this decision. His thoughts are “you don’t want COVID with RA” Hope to hear from someone 🙂 I am 68 years young. Venerable I have several friends that have taken it but done well, but none with RA. Any input is welcomed Would like to visit with family and friends again after a year of sheltering in
Connie: I think everyone is at least a little concerned about getting the vaccine but the fact that your doctor has given you such clear guidance is great. Following is some great information from Creaky Joints for those of us with RA. They also have a Patient Support Program (info/link in linked article) that might help you. My husband and I have registered for our first round injections, but no appointment yet, so I’m watching the results/side effects closely. I hope you will come back and update us with your outcome. Wishing you the best. https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/what-to-do-after-covid-19-vaccine-immunocompromised/?utm_source=CreakyJoints&utm_campaign=d9d111a308-jan-2021-newsletter_cj&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2a31b3d2f0-d9d111a308-226134349
Hey Carla, have received any more feedback from anyone with RA and taking a biologic? Looking for responses on how others have done.
My rheumatologist advised me to get vaccinated as soon as possible. I received my first shot of Moderna about two weeks ago. No immediate side effects. However, I developed “Covid arm,” a delayed allergic reaction at the injection site ten days after the shot. Nothing serious, it should clear up within a week. I have been on MTX monotherapy since 2009 and did not have to discontinue it before getting vaccinated.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. As it turns out I am scheduled for my first Moderna injection today. This first-person information is so valuable as we move through this process.
Yes, please keep the shared stories coming. It’s helpful
As an update, my husband and I got our first Moderna dose on Wednesday, February 10. No side effects for either of us except a sore arm. We still have a couple of days where we might develop some flu-like response but so far, so good.
Thanks for the update. I’m scheduled for Mar 1st.
I’m have several friends that are receiving the vaccine. Some have said it’s the second dose that can give off some mild side effects. My infusion nurse said that was the case for her. Hope everyone will continue to share experiences. I’m am skipping my Orencia infusion for March at my RA doc advise. Only to give the vaccine the highest chance to reach effectiveness. He has offered me a dose pack if needed in the interim. Best of luck to all the RA patients out there. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Lyn. If you think about it, please come back and update us on your experience with the second dose. All the best!
Lyn: I’ve heard from some other patients/advocates who have had their first doses. Side effects are similar to everyone else — generally mild: sore arms, etc. And yes, data bears out that the second dose is the one that causes flu-like symptoms. What is still not known is how well people on biologics build immunity because of their compromised immune systems. Some, like you, are foregoing treatment temporarily to help avoid any issues. However, one friend said to me that she’d rather have SOME immunity than NO immunity. My advice is, barring any medical direction otherwise, is go for the vaccination when you can get scheduled. Please stay safe and check back in!
Greeting from SC.
First dose of the Pfizer vaccine is done. Experienced a sore arm and a little fatigue the day of the injection. This morning it is better. And had difficulty going to sleep 1st night. Took some CBD and went on off. Other than that, it went off smoothly. Second dose scheduled for March 22. Just giving everyone reading this blog an update. Thanks for all the shared experiences.
Hi @Lyn: sounds like your first dose went well. Thanks for updating us! I’ve heard that the flu-like side effects generally occur with the second dose (if they happen at all). Please keep us posted with your continued experiences. Thanks so much for your input thus far.
Got both Pfizer vaccines. Got my vaccine cards laminated. No problems other than a sore arm that went away in a day. Start my Orencia back next Tuesday. Blest of luck to everyone. God bless 🙌
Yay!!!!