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Objective: to determine the frequency of the possible side effects of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan from Jan to Apr 2021. Methodology: A total of 305 recipients of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine were asked to fill out a questionnaire themselves or by the health care worker via telephonic conversation. The questionnaire comprised queries regarding general and local side effects that the participants experienced after getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Results: Out of 305 recipients, 270(88.5%) were men, and 35(11.5%) were women. Participants' age ranged from 18-60 years. After the first dose, 83(27.2%) cases [male 63(23.3%) vs. female 20(57.1%)], were reported with side effects, while 75(24.5%) recipients, [male: 54(19.9%) vs. female: 21(58.8%)], had side effects after the second dose. Generalized symptoms were fever, headache, dizziness, and body aches, while local side effects were pain, itching, swelling and rash at the injection site. 259(84.9%) recipients reported spontaneous recovery after the first dose. After the second dose, 286(93.8%) recipients recovered spontaneously. The remaining 44(13%) of the recipients' required symptomatic treatment. After the second dose, only 19(6%) recipients needed symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: It is important to document the possible side effects of COVID vaccine so that public awareness and education can be made to minimize public fear of vaccine side effects. Inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 has minimal reported side effects and hence has a good safety profile. © 2022, Army Medical College. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spurred a global health crisis. The safety and supply of blood during this pandemic has been a concern of blood banks and transfusion services as it is expected to adversely affect blood system activities. We aim to assess the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) during the first months of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was designed to address blood supply, transfusion demand, and donor management during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Medical directors of different blood banks were invited to participate. RESULTS: A total of 16 centers participated with representation from 15/19 countries in the region. In total, 75% were from national blood banks. Most centres had a decrease in the blood supply, ranging from 26-50%. Representatives from 14 countries (93.3%) believed that public fear has contributed to a decrease in donations. Most centres (n=12, 75%) had a reduction in transfusion demand, while those who did not, reported heavy involvement in treating patients with underlying haemoglobinopathies and haematological malignancies. Half of the centres activated their contingency plans. Four centres had to alter the blood donor eligibility criteria to meet demands. All centres implemented donor deferral criteria in relation to SARS-CoV-2, but were variable in measures to mitigate the risk of donor and staff exposure. CONCLUSION: Blood services in the region faced variable degrees of blood shortages. We summarize lessons learnt during this pandemic for the blood banks to consider to plan, assess, and respond proportionately to future similar pandemics.