What dietary precautions should be taken before and after receiving the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)?

General dietary considerations before receiving the 9-valent HPV vaccine may include avoiding alcohol, reducing intake of spicy and stimulating foods, avoiding vaccination on an empty stomach, minimizing consumption of allergenic foods, and maintaining a light and balanced diet. After vaccination, dietary recommendations generally include continuing to avoid alcohol, avoiding foods that加重 gastrointestinal burden, increasing intake of high-quality protein, consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoiding stimulating beverages. The detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Before Vaccination

1. Avoid alcohol before vaccination: Alcohol may affect the body's immune status and could compound post-vaccination discomfort (such as dizziness or fatigue), increasing physical strain. It is recommended to avoid alcohol for 1–2 days prior to vaccination.

2. Reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods before vaccination: Spicy and irritating foods may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort. If mild adverse reactions occur after vaccination, such irritation may worsen overall discomfort. It is advisable to reduce these foods one day before vaccination.

3. Avoid fasting before vaccination: An empty stomach may lead to hypoglycemia, increasing the risk of dizziness or palpitations during vaccination. It is recommended to eat a moderate amount of light food (such as porridge or bread) before vaccination to maintain sufficient energy levels.

4. Minimize consumption of allergenic foods before vaccination: If you have known allergies to foods such as seafood or mangoes, avoid them before vaccination to prevent allergic reactions from being confused with vaccine-related side effects, which could interfere with accurate assessment of the vaccine response.

5. Maintain a light and balanced diet before vaccination: For 1–2 days before vaccination, focus on light, easily digestible foods, combined with vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein, to support optimal physical condition and lay the foundation for effective immune response after vaccination.

II. After Vaccination

1. Continue avoiding alcohol after vaccination: Alcohol after vaccination may interfere with the immune response triggered by the vaccine and may exacerbate local reactions such as redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, or systemic symptoms like fatigue. It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least one week after vaccination.

2. Avoid foods that加重 gastrointestinal burden after vaccination: The body may be in a mild state of stress after vaccination. Fried, greasy, raw, or cold foods can increase gastrointestinal burden and potentially lead to diarrhea or bloating. Intake of such foods should be temporarily reduced.

3. Increase intake of high-quality protein after vaccination: High-quality protein sources such as eggs, milk, and lean meat provide essential nutrients that support normal immune function and help the body generate an effective immune response to the vaccine. These should be moderately increased after vaccination.

4. Consume fresh vegetables and fruits after vaccination: Fresh produce rich in vitamins and dietary fiber can enhance metabolic function, reduce potential post-vaccination discomfort, maintain healthy bowel movements, and prevent constipation caused by physical discomfort.

5. Avoid stimulating beverages after vaccination: Coffee, strong tea, and carbonated drinks may stimulate the nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness after vaccination. It is recommended to avoid these beverages for 3–5 days after vaccination.

Dietary adjustments are only supportive measures. Adequate rest and avoidance of excessive fatigue are also important before and after vaccination. Remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes of observation; if persistent fever, severe swelling, or other significant discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly.