5 February 2021 11:43 am
Hundred percent assurance cannot be given on getting infected with COVID-19 virus for people who continue to smoke and consume alcohol, even if they were vaccinated, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa said.
He told the Daily Mirror that same scenario had proven from several tests done by the vaccine inventors.
Specialists in many countries have made similar comments relating to COVID-19 vaccine, he said.
Dr. Rajapaksa requested people to avoid smoking and consume alcohol at least for six months, if vaccinated.
"The vaccine will take two or three days or even a week to boost the immunity level depending on the physical condition of the person," he said.
"There are approximately 600 toxic ingredients in cigarettes. When burnt, they produce more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic, 50 to 60 chemicals are first-class carcinogens and the rest are poisonous to the human body," he said.
The COVID-19 virus attacks the Respiratory system and smoking entirely reduces the immune response of the person and releases to attack the COVID-19 virus, the Doctor said.
He said the COVID-19 vaccine helps to stable the immunity level of a person and similar harm will be caused to the persons who consumes alcohol.
"Alcohol directly affects the liver and that also helps to reduce the immune system," he said.
Due to smoking and consuming alcohol, various chemical changes and reactions take place in the body which eventually leads the vaccine does not respond, he said.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid active and passive smoking and consume alcohol after vaccination at least for six months, Dr. Rajapaksa added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)