ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were launched after granting them ‘emergency use authorization’ approval. Beyond the clinical trial, there was very limited data on the side effects following vaccination This is a longitudinal study among health care workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care hospital. Information was also collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which included their demographic details, first dose and second dose. Post-vaccination follow-up was done at the centre which was then followed up by telephonic monitoring after 48 hours. In the present study 1,034 (65.6%) health care workers (HCWs) did not report any serious reactions/symptoms. Pain and tenderness were the most commonly reported side-effects in more than half. The severity of the symptoms following the second dose of vaccine was compared with the first dose and it was found that the majority 653 (41.4%) had reported no symptoms/reactions following both doses of vaccine. Every vaccine will have some side effects but it is important to understand that in the ongoing pandemic, vaccines are our “best shot” to fight against this virus. © 2022, Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID 19 Vaccination which was started in January 2021 in India and is one of the major hopes for ending the pandemic. This study was done in a tertiary care hospital in India to understand the adverse events following COVID 19 immunization. Methodology: This was a longitudinal study done in a tertiary care hospital in Thiruvallur district. By universal sampling, 1200 healthcare workers who got vaccinated in the hospital from January 20 to January 30, 2021 were study participants. Pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection which was used for collecting data regarding socio-demographic details, adverse events immediately following vaccination and late adverse events which were followed up after 48 hours by telemonitoring. Results: Around 3.7% of the study participants had immediate reactions, 6.3% developed reactions in waiting room and 50.4% developed late reactions which were mild to moderate in severity and got relieved on medication and rest. Female sex, previous COVID infection and age less than 30 years had statistically significant association with late vaccine reactions Conclusion: The study shows that COVID vaccine adverse events though present were mild to moderate in severity and they should not be the reason to defer or refuse COVID vaccination. © 2021, MedSci Publications. All rights reserved.