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Beer was served at a vaccination point in Sicily, which was met with opposition from the Italian Association for Alcohol Problems. The president of the association emphasized that alcohol consumption should be refrained from drinking for 15 days before and 15 days after vaccination against COVID-19.
- At least 15 days before and at least 15 days after – according to the Italian association, this is what the period of abstinence should be for people vaccinating against COVID-19
- To date, there are no clear guidelines on how alcohol affects the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. However, some vaccines for other diseases have shown that alcohol can cause a worse vaccine response
- However, alcohol consumption may promote thrombosis following COVID-19 vaccination
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage.
30 days of abstinence from vaccination against COVID-19?
The Italian Association for Alcohol Problems recalled that alcohol consumption before and after vaccination against COVID-19 is not advisable. The association was provoked by the situation in Sicily, where beer was served at one of the vaccination points.
Gianni Testino, president of the association, stressed that alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 15 days before and 15 days after vaccination. If complete abstinence is not possible, it is recommended to drink no more than one unit of alcohol (i.e. 250 ml of beer, 100 ml of wine or 30 ml of vodka).
Also check: Can I drink alcohol before and after the COVID-19 vaccination?
In turn, the Italian Institute of Healthcare has previously reported that alcohol consumption reduces the activity of the immune system, and may also worsen the health of patients infected with COVID-19.
Alcohol and the COVID-19 Vaccine Response
Although Italians speak unequivocally about vaccination and alcohol, there are no studies so far on the influence of alcohol on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Experts are strongly divided on this. Even at the end of April, doctors from Great Britain said directly that drinking alcohol before or after vaccination may weaken the immune system.
– In order to respond well to the vaccine, you must have an efficient immune system. So if you drink the night before or shortly after vaccination, you are weakening your body – said Dr. Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist at the University of Manchester, in an interview with British Metro.
Dr. Sandro Cinti, a specialist in infectious diseases, spoke in a completely different spirit.
There is no need to abstain from alcohol after any dose of COVID-19 vaccine. There is no evidence or guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that suggests it should be done, said Dr. Sandro Cinti, an infectious disease specialist.
- Check also: Registration of children aged 12-15 for COVID-19 vaccinations is starting
In May, the British MHRA said that at the moment there was no evidence that drinking alcohol affected immunity acquired through vaccination against COVID-19.
There is currently no evidence that drinking alcohol reduces the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. We advise anyone concerned to speak to their doctor or healthcare professional, a spokeswoman for MHRA (the UK’s regulator of medicines and healthcare products) told PA news agency.
The Polish National Institute of Hygiene also writes about the lack of research on the impact of alcohol on the effectiveness of COVID vaccines. However, it indicated that “few studies with other vaccines have shown that alcohol consumption may cause a worse vaccine response. It is also known that alcohol, especially when used regularly in large amounts, can negatively affect the immune system. The aim of vaccination is to obtain the highest possible level of immunization against COVID-19, therefore it is necessary to minimize the effects of all possible external factors that may weaken the effect of the vaccine ».
Post-vaccination reactions and alcohol
After vaccination against COVID-19, you may develop adverse vaccine reactions. These are usually mild reactions such as redness, soreness at the injection site or swelling in your arm. However, there are times when serious or severe NOPs appear that require prompt medical attention.
- Editors recommend: Adverse reactions after vaccination for COVID-19. After which preparation is the most? [REPORT]
Meanwhile, the consumption of alcohol before and after the injection may distort the actual picture of the situation.
“Refraining from drinking alcohol prior to and shortly after vaccination is also important because alcohol-related symptoms of malaise may occur, which may overlap with potential adverse vaccination reactions (NOPs), making them difficult to interpret. The vast majority of post-vaccination side effects occur in the first 2-3 days after vaccination. In addition, the occurrence of NOP may require the use of paracetamol, combining it with alcohol is not recommended ».
Drinking alcohol may promote thrombosis following COVID-19 vaccination
Thrombosis is possible after COVID-19 vaccines as one of the very rare adverse vaccine reactions. The European Medicines Agency has confirmed that thrombosis may be a side effect of the AstraZeneki vaccine. She also pointed out that there is a possible link between the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and thrombosis. Thrombosis has also been observed after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
It turns out that alcohol consumption before and after vaccination may also contribute to the development of thrombosis in a patient.
– It should be emphasized that alcohol is a factor in the possibility of thrombosis. By taking alcohol before or after taking the vaccine, we can cause a thrombosis event, which will not necessarily be related to the vaccine – admitted Michał Byliniak, vice president of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Council, president of the District Pharmaceutical Chamber in Warsaw and former president of the European Union Pharmaceutical Group, in an interview with Rzeczpospolita.
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- COVID-19 has surprised again. What is a “black mushroom”? WE EXPLAIN
- Adverse reactions after vaccination for COVID-19. After which preparation is the most? [REPORT]
- Unexpected effect of restrictions in Poland. It is about whooping cough, an eminently contagious disease
- Atypical COVID-19 symptom. It appears on the feet. These are “covid feet”
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