Will there be side effects if I drink alcohol after getting vaccinated?

Dec 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, drinking alcohol after vaccination does not directly cause specific vaccine-related side effects, but it may worsen physical discomfort or mask reactions to the vaccine, potentially affecting the safety and effectiveness of vaccination. Therefore, alcohol consumption shortly after vaccination is not recommended. It is advised to wait at least 7 days after vaccination before consuming a small amount of alcohol. During this period, maintain a light diet, drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.

Generally, drinking alcohol after vaccination does not directly trigger specific vaccine-related side effects. However, it may worsen physical discomfort or mask reactions to the vaccine, potentially affecting both safety and effectiveness. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume alcohol shortly after vaccination. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Alcohol is irritating and increases the metabolic burden on the liver. Since certain vaccine components are metabolized through the liver, drinking alcohol may interfere with their normal processing. Additionally, some individuals may experience mild reactions after vaccination, such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or soreness and swelling at the injection site. Alcohol could intensify these symptoms and may also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to nausea, bloating, and other issues, making it harder for the body to adjust.

Symptoms like dizziness and fatigue caused by alcohol consumption can be easily confused with post-vaccination reactions, making it difficult to accurately identify the true cause of discomfort and delaying the timely detection of any vaccine-related abnormalities. Moreover, alcohol may temporarily suppress immune system function. While it does not completely prevent antibody production, it might reduce the efficiency of the immune response to some extent, thereby weakening the protective effect of the vaccine.

It is recommended to wait at least 7 days after vaccination before consuming a small amount of alcohol. During this period, maintain a light diet, drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.