COVID-19 Vaccination and Alcohol Consumption: Justification of Risks

Abstract

Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have been actively working to develop vaccines, and the mass roll-out of vaccinations against COVID-19 began in January 2021. At the same time, during lockdowns, the consumption of alcoholic beverages increased. During the peak of vaccination, consumption remained at high levels around the world, despite the gradual relaxation of quarantine restrictions. Two of the popular queries on search engines were whether it is safe to drink alcohol after vaccination and whether this will affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Over the past two years, many studies have been published suggesting that excessive drinking not only worsens the course of an acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus but can also exacerbate post-COVID-19 syndrome. Despite all sorts of online speculation, there is no specific scientific data on alcohol-induced complications after vaccination in the literature. Most of the published vaccine clinical trials do not include groups of patients with a history of alcohol-use disorders. This review analyzed the well-known and new mechanisms of action of COVID-19 vaccines on the immune system and the effects of alcohol and its metabolites on these mechanisms.

Changes in Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Wisconsin

“…This shift may help to explain the decrease in reports of higher alcohol consumption in the second and third waves. Alcohol is known to exacerbate illness; hence vaccination may have decreased the risks of drinking for vaccinated individuals [ 34 ]. Although vaccine hesitancy may have increased anxiety when COVID-19 vaccines first became available [ 35 ], Chen and the co-authors similarly found that vaccination for COVID-19 was associated with a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms [ 36 ], which may help to explain our results.…”

Molecular Mimicry of the Viral Spike in the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Possibly Triggers Transient Dysregulation of ACE2, Leading to Vascular and Coagulation Dysfunction Similar to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…The consumption of alcoholic beverages increased during lockdowns and remained at high levels during the peak of vaccination, especially among young people. It has been postulated that alcohol consumption, known to affect expression of ACE2, may have contributed to increasing the “Spike effect” risk of COVID-19 vaccines [ 104 ]. Finally, if ACE2 and Ang II clearly play a role in the thrombosis and cardiovascular complications following the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, it has also been suggested that another physiopathological mechanism can sometimes trigger the cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and cerebral venous thrombosis observed after vaccination with an adenoviral-vector-based vaccine [ 105 ].…”

Association Between Electronic Device Use at Bedtime and COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Adverse Events During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korean Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

“…Two potential explanations are as follows: first, excessive alcohol intake may modulate immunity, potentially reducing COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. 48 Second, it could be a defense mechanism against increasing anxiety and stress from COVID-19 pandemic-related social circumstances, possibly decreasing it. Following the global lockdown, alcohol consumption significantly increased, 48 49 particularly in South Korea, where drinking is a popular leisure activity linked to peer pressure.…”

“… 48 Second, it could be a defense mechanism against increasing anxiety and stress from COVID-19 pandemic-related social circumstances, possibly decreasing it. Following the global lockdown, alcohol consumption significantly increased, 48 49 particularly in South Korea, where drinking is a popular leisure activity linked to peer pressure. 32 49 In a study of middle-aged Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher friend support led to excessive alcohol consumption.…”