Can you Drink Alcohol After Having the Vaccines?

Vaccination is one of the great advances in modern medicine, it has saved millions of lives and kept diseases that are quite dangerous for humans under control. As a report from the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico explains, "immunization through vaccination is the safest way to protect ourselves against diseases: Vaccines induce an immune response similar to that produced by a natural infection, but unlike this, does not carry serious risks of death or disability. That is why, since the appearance of COVID-19, the idea of vaccinating ourselves to deal with this virus has become a topic of global importance.

There are several vaccines that currently exist against the coronavirus. The governments of each nation have also developed strategies to ensure the correct vaccination of all its inhabitants. All this has brought with it different questions that may arise before, during or after the moment of receiving a vaccine.

One of these doubts is related to the intake of alcoholic beverages. It is well known that alcohol can have harmful effects on the body if taken in large amounts or be dangerous if mixed with certain substances and medications. Therefore, it is normal for people to question whether the consumption of liquor near vaccination interferes with its effect or causes adverse reactions. In this article we comment on the indications of the experts regarding this topic.

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What do health professionals say about vaccination against COVID-19 and alcohol?

Regarding the effect that the consumption of alcoholic beverages can have on coronavirus vaccines, Sergiu Padure, an immunology specialist and professor at the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, has declared that alcohol in small quantities, and in people who do not taken constantly or chronically, it should not interfere with the creation of antibodies against COVID-19. The professional in health points out that this is because “alcohol is metabolized through the liver and the immune response to the vaccine usually occurs in the peripheral lymphoid organs. It is a matter of metabolism.”

The coronavirus vaccine is administered intramuscularly, thus passing directly into the bloodstream to stimulate the immune system. Instead, alcohol is consumed orally, absorbed in the stomach, and eliminated by the liver. “The vaccine is introduced into the bloodstream to stimulate certain cells so that they cause immunity. Alcohol has the same journey as food. Therefore, there would be no common elements that could affect immunity "says Lorenzo Armenteros, from the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians.

In this sense, the moderate intake of alcoholic beverages, such as a couple of drinks, does not have the capacity to reduce the immune response after vaccination. However, health professionals agree that those who consume alcohol intensely or chronically, due to the effect of this substance, already have an affectation in the response of their immune system, which can interfere with the action of the vaccine.

It is also important to consider that when someone is vaccinated against COVID-19, in the following days they may have adverse reactions such as dizziness, nausea, tiredness, headache or fever. Therefore, it is recommended not to consume alcoholic beverages that can enhance these side effects.

Can liquor be consumed with other vaccines?

The vaccine against COVID-19 is not the only one that is applied during adulthood, we also have vaccines against tetanus, HPV or yellow fever, among others. Can you drink liquor in these cases? The most widespread professional indication remains the same as for coronavirus vaccines; Do not consume alcohol in excess and avoid drinking it close to any vaccination.

In short, moderate alcohol intake does not influence the effect of vaccines for COVID-19 or other vaccines, but its consumption in large quantities compromises the functioning of the immune system and can affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.