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Health Minister Tatiana Golikova said people who receive the COVID-19 Sputnik V vaccine should refrain from drinking alcohol for 42 days after the first dose of the vaccine and 14 days before it is given. Could alcohol consumption before or after vaccination really affect the body’s immune response?
- After taking the first dose of the COVID-19 Sputnik V vaccine, you should refrain from drinking alcohol – these are the guidelines of the health authorities
- In the case of the vaccines known to us, there are generally no contraindications to drinking alcohol after taking them
- You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page
vaccine against COVID-19 and alcohol
In line with the recommendations of the Health Minister Tatiana Golikova, head of the sanitary authority Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova said that for 42 days after the first dose of the vaccine, immunity is built up, and during this time, the person vaccinated should not drink alcohol. «It weighs down the body. If we want to be healthy and have strong immune resistance, let’s not drink »- emphasized Popova.
Is it really necessary to avoid alcohol after being vaccinated? We do not know what it will be like in the case of this particular one – Spunika V, because we do not know the composition of the preparation and contraindications, but we can check what it looks like in the case of other vaccines known to us.
See also: Genetic vaccines for COVID-19. Is it possible to integrate viral RNA into the human genome? [WE EXPLAIN]
Vaccines and drinking alcohol
In general, there are no reasons why you shouldn’t drink alcohol before or after the vaccine. There are no warnings about drinking alcohol in the product information for these products. There is also no evidence that drinking alcohol after vaccination is harmful.
The package insert for Pfizer’s only currently licensed COVID-19 vaccine does not mention any contraindications for drinking alcohol after taking the vaccine.
However, it is important to know that alcohol consumption following vaccination can mask the potential side effects of the vaccine and make it difficult to identify which symptoms are attributable to the vaccine and which have occurred with alcohol consumption. Alcohol, like many vaccines, can cause headache, weakness, nausea, and a general malaise. During the vaccination, it is worth talking to the doctor, because while the vaccine itself is not a contraindication to alcohol consumption, for example, the medications we take may interact with alcohol.
Importantly, the regular consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol affects the immune system. The CDC explains that drinking 15 or more drinks for men and 8+ drinks for women per week is associated with a weakened immune system. Another study suggests that while excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to the immune system, moderate drinking (1 drink a day for women, 2 drinks for men) is likely to strengthen the immune system. However, it is still a poorly understood phenomenon that still requires a lot of research. What is certain, however, is that people with a history of alcohol abuse should not use alcohol to strengthen their immunity.
See also: Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? Research participants talk about their feelings
Vaccines that are better not to be combined with alcohol
Although not described in the Summary of Product Characteristics, alcohol should not be drunk prior to receiving the oral Vivotif vaccine to protect against typhoid fever. This rule is based on the fact that the vaccine should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e., do not eat or drink – including alcohol – before administration) and at least one hour before the next meal.
Avoiding alcohol consumption for 48 hours is also recommended after receiving the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. Only one preparation against this disease is registered in Poland – IXIARO (suspension for intramuscular injection).
Consult your doctor about any doubts regarding the safety of administration of the vaccine.
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