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Alcohol before and after vaccination - yes or no?

Alcohol before and after vaccination - yes or no? Can one drink alcohol after vaccination (photo: Freepik)
Author: Maria Kholina

Many are curious about whether alcohol can be consumed after vaccination. It is permissible in moderate amounts, but it's crucial to be aware that alcohol can affect the effectiveness of vaccination, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.

Alcohol's affect on vaccination

Medical professionals say that alcohol can be consumed after vaccination, but in moderate quantities. A glass of wine or a mug of beer after vaccination will not impact the vaccine's efficacy.

However, it's important to note that alcohol consumption on the day before or on the day of vaccination may reduce its effectiveness.

The reason is that alcohol abuse suppresses the immune system and lowers the body's resistance to infections. This applies to both regular and occasional consumption, but in significant quantities. In both cases, alcohol negatively affects the immune response to the vaccine and your overall health.

Excessive alcohol consumption may also intensify reactions to COVID-19 vaccines.

The amount and frequency of alcohol consumption without serious harm to health depend on various factors: the individual's overall health, age, gender, weight, and genetics.

Potential risks

There is a direct correlation between the development of dangerous diseases and the amount of alcohol consumed. For example, the more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk of developing six types of cancer.

To reduce alcohol intake during festive periods, consider the following advice:

  • Avoid triggers: if certain people or places tempt you to drink, try to avoid them or practice polite refusal techniques.
  • Alcohol abuse is often a misguided attempt to cope with stress. Find healthier alternatives, such as outdoor walks, sports, and meditation.
  • Whenever possible, replace alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives.

Additionally, to safeguard your life and the lives of others, remember:

  • Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol. Even small amounts can affect your well-being and reaction time.
  • Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure. Combining alcohol with medications can lead to unpredictable consequences and even death.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.