ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 infection caused by the SARS COV-2 virus is one of the largest pandemics and has affected every nation worldwide. The introduction of different vaccines against COVID-19 infection has bought new hope in the fight against COVID-19, which would decrease the ongoing crisis. These vaccines were approved for emergency purposes, which had fewer clinical trials involving elderly populations. Hence, this study intends to know the safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly population. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we have collected data regarding the onset of symptoms within 72hrs following first dose of COVID-19 Vaccination among elderly people through a direct interview and by phone call, using a questionnaire. Results: Among 1373 elderly, 445 (32.41%) had no symptoms, while the remaining 928 (67.54%) had developed symptoms. The commonest symptoms were fever 738 (53.75%), pain at local site 536 (39.01%), and body ache 382 (27.82%). All these symptoms were relieved by taking Paracetamol 650mg tablet provided by the vaccination center. The commonest co-morbidities observed were hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. There was no mortality. Conclusion: So far, very few studies have been conducted on the elderly population. Our study has an advantage where it has involved a large number of elderly populations. The majority of the elderly in our study received covishield vaccine. We conclude covishield and covaxin vaccines had minor side effects which were selflimiting and can be considered safe in the elderly population despite having multiple co-morbidities. This study endorses that vaccines are safe in the elderly population irrespective of co-morbidities and increasing age.