Russia to citizens: Don’t taste alcohol for 42 days after taking COVID-19 vaccine

The Russian government has warned citizens not to consume alcohol for 42 days after receiving the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. 

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, in August, announced the country’s approval for the vaccine, which was developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute.

Last week, the president launched a free voluntary vaccination campaign against the virus.

Speaking on the campaign, Tatiana Golikova, the country’s deputy prime minister, said the vaccines will be supplied to regions in line with increase in production.

According to TASS news agency, Golikova said the vaccine will be administered based on risk and population categories.

“I would like to say that the vaccination campaign has already been launched in the Russian army, in the city of Moscow. By the end of the week, all regions of the country will join this campaign,” the news agency quoted Golikova to have said.

“I would like to repeat once again that, first of all, they will be people from the risk group, [that is] medical workers, teachers, care and community workers, law enforcers, and those employed with essential services.

“Population categories to be vaccinated first will be determined by the Russian health ministry.

“Novel coronavirus infection will take 42 days and those inoculated will have to observe precautions during this period not to catch the infection. Thus, they will have to refrain from visiting crowded places, wear face masks, use sanitizers, minimise contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol or taking immunosuppressant drugs.”

Anna Popova, head of Russia’s federal service for the oversight of consumer protection and welfare, emphasised Golikova’s position, adding that citizens should avoid alcohol for two weeks before the vaccine and 42 days afterwards.

“The intake of alcohol needs to stop at least two weeks prior to immunisation,” Moscow Times quoted Popova as saying.

“Recipients should then abstain from alcohol for 42 days after the first injection. Immunity is being formed and one needs to take care.

“It’s a strain on the body. If we want to stay healthy and have a strong immune response, don’t drink alcohol.”

A 2010 report by the World Health Organisation indicated that Russia was the world’s fourth largest consumer of alcohol per person, with an average Russian consuming 15.1 litres of alcohol a year. That figure has, however, reduced considerably as a result of strict measures.

According to Worldometers, global statistics platform, Russia has the world’s fourth highest number of COVID-19 cases.

As of December 9, the country has recorded 2,541,199 cases, with 44,718 deaths and 2,007,792 recoveries.