The narcologist spoke about the effect of alcohol on the effectiveness of vaccination

Vaccinations protect the body from dangerous diseases and complications, but alcohol can interfere with the formation of an immune response. Vitaly Holdin, a psychiatrist and narcologist, chief freelance specialist at the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, told about this on Friday, April 24.

According to the doctor, alcohol suppresses the immune system.

"Even from a small dose of alcohol, the activity of cells responsible for recognizing foreign agents and producing antibodies is noticeably reduced. Their number and effectiveness are decreasing," Radio 1 quotes the narcologist.

He added that the formation of immunity requires resources, and alcohol takes them away, reports 360.ru .

"Alcohol causes intoxication, increases the load on the liver and disrupts metabolism. Therefore, the body directs all its efforts to eliminate it, and the vaccination may "go unnoticed," Haldin warned.

He added that alcohol can increase the negative reaction to vaccination — provoke fever and increase general weakness.

Degree of risk: Russians refuse to get vaccinated against rabies

In some regions, the number of "draft dodgers" reaches 34% — they do not want to follow a diet and forget about alcohol.

Earlier that day, Vera Larina, MD, Professor, Head of the Department of Polyclinic Therapy at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at Pirogov University, told the Moscow City News Agency that before traveling to tropical countries, such as Vietnam or Thailand, it is necessary to choose a vaccination schedule with your doctor.

In turn, Alexander Polikarpov, a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, narcologist, and chief physician of the AlkoSpas clinic, said that drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of contracting seasonal infections. According to him, alcohol worsens the condition of the body and makes it more defenseless, interfering with prevention.

In November 2025, volunteer pediatrician Daria Bashkina told how to protect herself from the human papillomavirus. According to her, a positive HPV test is not a contraindication to vaccination — vaccination will not get rid of an existing infection, but it will protect against other strains of the virus.