Russians Urged to Avoid Alcohol after Taking COVID Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is placing restrictions on what some do on a regular basis. That’s a sacrifice that some will have to take in order to be safe from the coronavirus.

What We Know:

• According to TASS News Agency, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova stated in a recent interview that the Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine would take 42 days to be effective. Russian officials are sending out a warning to their residents who’ve received the vaccine to not consume alcohol after receiving it because of the wear and tear the spirits have on the body.
• The NF Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology (NFGFRCEM), who developed the vaccine, said to wait at least three days. During that time, citizens should “refrain from visiting crowded places, wear face masks, use sanitizers, minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol or taking immunosuppressant drugs,” she said
• Shortly after the head of the NFGFRCEM released the warning, Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, went further to suggest those receiving the Sputnik V jab should abstain for two weeks before the first jab and 42 days after it had been administered – 56 days in total. “It’s a strain on the body. If we want to stay healthy and have a strong immune response, don’t drink alcohol,” Ms. Popova told local radio, according to The Moscow Times.
• On Saturday, December 5th, Russia vaccinating thousands of their doctors, teachers, and many others in Moscow with the Sputnik V vaccine. The country had previously authorized the show during the summer, even though it had only been tested on a few people. Russian health officials say the Sputnik V vaccine is over 90 percent effective, but reports say medical workers who have taken the shot have come down with COVID-19.
• According to the World Health Organization, Russia is the fourth-largest consumer of alcohol per person in the world. According to the agency, the average Russian consumes 15.1 liters (almost 4 gallons) of alcohol a year.