Does alcohol interfere with the efficacy of Covid vaccine?

On May 1 when the vaccination drive for 18+ was started, the first thing that popped up in the minds of everyone was whether they should consume alcohol after receiving the vaccine. From the Health Ministry of India to International regulatory agencies, all of them think that there is no harm in consuming alcohol after vaccination as no harm is reported till date.

Alcohol consumption post-vaccination

According to the Centre for Virus Research at the University of California, Irvine the clinical trials of Covid vaccines didn’t study the impacts of alcohol on immunity. As per other studies, consumption of alcohol after receiving the vaccination leads to weak vaccine responses and reduces protection. The same rule applies to Covid vaccines. As per the studies published in Alcohol Research Current Reviews, mild to moderate alcohol consumption is alright before and after vaccination. It is said because there is no clinical impact on the vaccine and the immune response.

What regulatory agencies suggest?

There is no proof that consuming alcohol interferes with the efficacy of Covid vaccines, according to the statement issued by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agencies (MHRA). But, the statement also highlights that before consuming alcohol they should discuss it with their doctors. Also, doctors around the world feel that alcohol does not delay the formation of antibodies.

What does the government say?

As per the FAQs posted on the Health Ministry’s website, “There is no evidence of alcohol impairing the effectiveness of the vaccine.”

To be precise, there is no proof that the consumption of alcohol interferes with the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine. However, health experts are of the view that it is better to avoid it for 24-48 hours.