» Some experts say to avoid heavy drinking before getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but you don't have to cut out alcohol completely Some experts say to avoid heavy drinking before getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but you don't have to cut out alcohol completely Andrea MichelsonJan 8, 2021, 04:51 IST Heavy drinking weakens your immune system and is generally bad for your health.Matthew Horwood/Getty Images Experts in the UK and Russia have warned against drinking before and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. immune system functioning in full force. Heavy drinking adversely affects your health in a number of ways, including weakening your immune cells.