Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) — Excessive consumption of alcohol may affect our body’s response to vaccines, an official from the science and technology department said Tuesday.
Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, warned heavy drinkers that having such lifestyle will affect the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If you are a chronic drinker or an alcoholic, it has already some effect in your immune system,” Montoya said. “Precisely because you are immune compromised, your immune system may not respond 100% to the vaccines, so we have to monitor you closely.”
He said it is important to maintain a balanced lifestyle to boost immunity and continue taking medications for existing illnesses.
Meanwhile, Montoya said it is also possible that booster shots will be needed after the completion of the first two doses, depending on how long the vaccine protection will last.
