Taking enbrel (etanercept) for ra. what is your view of being off it for two weeks prior to shingles vaccine and off two more weeks after?

Wait longer: Because the shingles vaccine is a attenuated virus, i would recommend staying off of your Enbrel (etanercept) the week that you get your vaccine; and, for six weeks thereafter. The six weeks allows your immune system to develop igg antibodies to the virus, the most effectivbe antibody. I recommend getting no more than 15 mg of Prednisone during the time you are off your enbrel (etanercept).

OK to try: This vaccine reduces shingles risk by half. If you try it, be prepared in advance with at least 21 tabs of 1 g valacyclovir in case you get chickenpox from it. You want to start this at first hint of it. There are no side effects.