I visited this site just to see if others may have experienced any relationship between vaccines and autoimmune disorders.
I was diagnosed with MCTD about 3 months after I took a seasonal flu vaccine in 2008. Although bloodwork suggests I am positive for lupus and scleroderma, clinically my rheummy thinks right now I'm only differentiating to sjogren's. Systemically, I am thankful that I am very healthy (ie., no organ involvement), but the pain and fatigue requires constant management and, prior to current therapies, I was afraid it would be disabling.
In retrospect, I may have displayed minor symptoms years ago (all-over dryness, tightness in joints), but it seems too coincidental that major exacerbation and progression to non-remitting pain occurred so shortly after I messed with my immune system with the vaccination (I had had no other vaccination and only one episode of medication- antibiotic, anaesthesia and pain meds for appendectomy- in over a dozen years).
I have had several conversations since this diagnosis regarding never having a vaccination again because what seems to be a strong association and fear about how much worse my condition might get. Additionally, I have no kids, but since autoimmune disorders can have a genetic component, I would likely encourage family members to avoid them. I know vaccinations can serve a purpose, but I believe it is irresponsible to give them if a good screening for a disposition towards autoimmune disorders can be performed.
I know it has been a long time since your original post, but good luck in your survey/ study.
I was told I have sjogrens and myasthenia gravis, but I do not believe this, because a specialist with the MDA association said I did NOT have MG., based on my low titer...and that MG does not cause pain. And I have muscle severe pain when I ues my muscles. Well...anyway... I had a TDAP vaccine in 2009, and ever since I have been feeling REALLY SICK, and I think the vaccine did it. I think I have something autoimmune wrong with me and the doctors have not figured it out. I am becoming disabled. I filed a report with the FDA about the TDAP vaccine and never heard back from them...it is all meaningless...the FDA does nothing!
I have been dx w/ lupus and fibromyalgia w/ possible sjorgrens. I am 49 and haven't had any vaccinations since I was in grade school. I am one of the rare people that think it is just wrong to inject mercury into people. Not to mention the other things that go along with the shot.
So, no. There is no way a vaccine contributed to my condition.
I have SLE LUPUS, MS, Sjorgrens, RA and many auoimmune disorders. A family member just received vaccinnations for Typhoid Fever and HEP A for an overseas trip, both being live serums. How long do I need to stay away from them in order to protect myself from catching these illnesses