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? Question:
Is it safe to drink alcohol before
or after getting the vaccine?

Answer:
People who use alcohol can safely receive
the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the World Health

Organization, there is no evidence that the
safety or e"ectiveness of COVID-19
vaccines is a"ected by anything you eat or
drink before or after getting vaccinated,
including alcohol. However, drinking
alcohol can add to the normal mild to
moderate side e"ects that you might
experience after vaccination, such as a
headache and tiredness. Because of this, it
is advisable to avoid drinking until any
side e"ects following vaccination have
passed.

When it’s time for your appointment, we

recommend that you don’t drink alcohol or
come intoxicated (drunk) to your
vaccination appointment. The healthcare
provider needs your informed consent
before giving vaccines. Alcohol may impair
(lessen) your ability to fully understand the
health information and ask questions.

Folks who struggle with an alcohol use

disorder may have a compromised
(weaker) immune system so it is important
to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Date last reviewed: Friday, Apr 01, 2022

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