New Shingles Vaccine Is a Good Alternative for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

So why can't rheumatoid patients get this important vaccine? This is because the shingles vaccine is what we call a live vaccine, meaning it contains live virus inside. If you're on immunosuppressives, your body won't be able to fight off this weakened, live virus, and the vaccination itself may actually give you the disease rather than protect you from it. That's why your doctor may advise against you getting the shingles vaccine.