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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Daniel Morrow

What the experts say on drinking alcohol before and after receiving Covid jab

More than three million Scots have been given their dose of the coronavirus vaccine as the rollout of the jab continues.

Younger people in areas of Glasgow with high Covid infections are now being invited for the jab in order to get the spread of the virus under control.

People aged 18-39 have been receiving text messages and emails with details of their appointments - many of which have been taking place as early as this week.

Scots over the age of 18 have also been approached for Moray amid a recent spike in cases. Evidence has shown that the numbers on infection in the north eastern local authority is now dropping.

More than three million Scots have received the first dose of the Covid jab (Getty Images)

It is hoped that all adults in Scotland will have received an invite for the first dose of the vaccine by July.

But where do the experts stand on the consumption of alcohol before and after receiving the jab?

Well, so far there has been no official guidance issued by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland on this issue.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which approved the jabs for use in Scotland, says that there is so far no evidence to suggest that alcohol interferes with the effectiveness of the jab.

It said: “There is currently no evidence that drinking alcohol interferes with the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccines. We would advise anyone concerned about this to talk to their healthcare professional.”

However, experts at Drinkaware have urged Scots to be cautious about their alcohol intake before and after the jab.

The alcohol awareness charity's Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Fiona Sims, says that Scots should get the vaccine regardless of how much alcohol they drink.

Experts say that drinkers should be cautious about their alcohol intake before and after getting the jab (PA)

But the expert has advised that drinkers should consider not drinking for two before and up to two weeks after to ensure that the immune system is at its best to tackle Covid.

Dr Sim said: “We are very keen to stress how important it is for you to get vaccinated. We do know that, since the onset of the pandemic last year, between one fifth and one third of people have been drinking more than they do usually.

“So, as far as alcohol is concerned, we advise that you consider not drinking for two days before, and up to 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.

“But it's really important to know that, even if you do drink, you'll still benefit from having the jab, so please don't turn it down.

She added: “We would reassure anybody who has already been vaccinated and has had an occasional drink since, that they should still benefit from the vaccination. And we would stress the importance of attending your appointment for the second dose when it comes around.”

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