An expert is urging Scots not to drink booze shortly before and after receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
Dr Fiona Sim, who is Chief Medical Advisor to the independent alcohol education charity Drinkaware, said vaccine patients should avoid the drink at least two days before and two weeks after getting the jab.
The period of sobriety is to ensure that the immune system is “at its best” to respond to the vaccine and to give the best chance at full protection, she said.
Little data has so far been published on effects that alcohol has on the human body’s response to the vaccine.
But there is evidence that regular heavy drinking can impact your body’s ability to build an immune response against Covid-19.
Dr Sim said: “We advise that you don’t drink any alcohol for at least two days before, and at least two weeks after you’ve been vaccinated to try to ensure your immune system is at its best to respond to the vaccine and protect you.”
Drinkaware advises that if people do choose to drink alcohol before and after vaccination, then they should do so within the low risk guidelines from the Scottish Government.
It recommends a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week for both women and men to keep health risks low.
This amount should be spread over three or more days.
The charity is also urging people to get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as they are offered it, regardless of whether or not they drink alcohol.
Dr Sim added: “If you are a regular heavy drinker, the risks to you of becoming seriously ill if you do contract Covid-19 are particularly high, so please do keep your appointment for vaccination if you are offered one.
“Chronic heavy drinking reduces immune protection, and specifically for respiratory infections, which includes Covid-19.
“For greatest benefit from the vaccine, it is prudent for you not to drink any alcohol for a few days before, and for at least two weeks after, you've been vaccinated.
“And if you do contract Covid-19, please do not drink any alcohol until you have recovered fully, to protect your immune system to allow it to fight the virus, as well as minimising the risk of serious liver disease in the longer term.”
Nicola Sturgeon today revealed that more than 100,000 have received their first vaccination as of Sunday.
First doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine were administered in Scotland earlier this week.
Scottish Government expects to have access to just over 900,000 additional doses of coronavirus vaccines by the end of this month.
The First Minister hopes that figure will increase in the coming weeks.
