Can I have a celebratory drink after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

‘There is no evidence that alcohol reduces the formation of antibodies,’ doctor says

ORLANDO, Fla. – With COVID-19 vaccines becoming readily available in Florida and across the nation, many people are asking a similar question: Can I have a beer or alcoholic drink to celebrate?

The government has not issued official guidance on the topic, but according to Prevention.com, experts say drinking, within reason, is OK.

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“There is no evidence that alcohol reduces the formation of antibodies,” Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease physician and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, told Prevention.

According to the report, however, Watkins recommends to be careful in the following days but for a different reason. He said being intoxicated or hungover could complicate things if someone experiences flu-like symptoms after getting the shot.

In short, celebrating your vaccine with one drink — and doing so responsibly — appears to be just fine, so raise a glass!


About the Author

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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