Should you avoid alcohol after COVID-19 vaccination?

When COVID-19 vaccination drive started for the 18-44 age group on May 1, the most common question that everyone had in their mind was- should I avoid alcohol after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? From the Health Ministry of India to international regulatory agencies, they all think that there is no harm in consuming alcohol post vaccination, because nothing wrong has been documented till date. Have a look, at what each body has to say. (Image: istock)

As per Center for Virus Research at the University of California, Irvine the clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines didn't look at the impact of alcohol on immunity. And as per other vaccines studies, consumption of alcohol post vaccination leads to weak vaccine responses and reduces protection. And from that perspective, the same rule applies to the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to studies published in Alcohol Research Current Reviews, mild to moderate alcohol consumption is fine before and after the vaccine. It is said so, as there is no clinical impact on the vaccine and the immune response. (Image: istock)

If we go by the statement issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), there is no evidence that drinking alcohol interferes with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. However, the statement duly mentions that one should talk to their healthcare professionals before drinking. Also, doctors around the world feel that alcohol does not delay the formation of antibodies. (Image: istock)

The FAQs posted on the Health Ministry's website has a question which mentions alcohol and vaccines. And as per the website," There is no evidence of alcohol impairing the effectiveness of the vaccine." (Image: istock)

In a nutshell, nothing is documented or proved against the consumption of alcohol before or after the COVID-19 vaccination. However, health experts feel that it is better to avoid it for 24-48 hours. (Image: istock)