I am a nurse soon receiving a COVID-19 vaccine while living with AxSpA. Should I be worried?
Hi my name is Helen and I have had a recent diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis, I work as a nurse and am really worried about how this will effect my work. I also have a very specific question as I am due to get a COVID 19 vaccine as a front line worker this week and wondering if I should be cautious with this new diagnosis I have. Any advice would be great. Thanks.
hi! I have axial spondyloarthritis too and on last monday I took the flu and Covid vaccines because I will start my biologics and it was ok for me. I didn't have any symptoms and the doctor prescribe to increase the immune system. I hope I helped 😀 
- it's wonderful you have had no issues with the vaccines. Since this question was posted (2020), I've had yearly flu shots with no issues. Also have had a Covid shot and 3 boosters. The initial shot was the worst, had 10 days with severe full-body pain, headache, and chills. For the second shot, I was in bed for about 5-6 days with the same symptoms, but for the last 2, I had no issue with them and went about my days as usual. I have been advised to keep getting boosters to keep my immune system strong enough to cope with COVID as long as it is prevalent ,as well as the flu. I'm glad I took these vaccines. Seems they boosted my immune system into greater health. Thanks for sharing your experience - Rebecca (comm advc) 
Hi Flavia,
Thank you for sharing with us. I am glad to hear it all went well.
Hugs !!!
Nicky (Team Member)
Hi
,
How did your vaccination go in the end?
I have had mine and was told to stop taking my medication for a couple weeks before and after the jab. I didn't feel too bad after it, although I did start to feel a bit more stiffness and pain as I approached the third week of pausing my injections.
Hope you are keeping well!
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
Hi hgc24,
I think a lot of people are looking for information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it might affect spondyloarthritis.
At this time, the Arthritis Foundation is stating that there is no advisory warning against vaccinating people with autoimmune diseases.
If you are interested in finding more about the vaccine, you can read about that here:
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-faqs-medication-treatment-and-vaccines
