Overview of COVID-19 Vaccine and Investigation of Side Effects in Patients Over 65 Years of Age with Chronic Kidney Disease

ABSTRACT

Objective: The entire population should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and the frequency of side effects in patients over 65 years of age with chronic renal failure. Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic renal failure over the age of 65 who applied to the nephrology outpatient clinic between 14.03.2021 and 15.04.2021 were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, whether they were vaccinated, and post-vaccination symptoms were recorded. Results: In our study, 112 patients with chronic renal failure were evaluated. 94% of the patients (105/12) reported a positive opinion about the vaccine. The most common cause of COVID-19 vaccine opposition was related to vaccine side effects (54%). Of the patients included in the study, 89 were vaccinated with CoronaVac. Side effects were seen in 23% of patients after at least one dose of CoronaVac. The most common side effects were uncontrolled blood pressure and pain at the injection site. In patients reporting adverse events after at least one dose of CoronaVac and 1st dose of vaccine;coronary vascular diseases (CVD) was significantly higher (p=0.012, p=0.001), patients receiving hemodialysis treatment had fewer adverse events (p=0.005, p=0.032), and injection site pain was more common in female patients (p=0.023, p=0.023). The most common adverse event after the 2nd dose was uncontrolled blood pressure and was significantly higher in female patients (p=0.023, p=0.001). Conclusion: Although the rate of vaccination against COVID-19 is high in individuals over 65 years of age with chronic kidney disease, the most common reason for vaccine opposition was vaccine side effects. In addition, although the frequency of side effects was lower in our study population, uncontrolled blood pressure was observed differently and it was observed that the presence of cardiovascular disease increased the frequency of side effects. © Copyright 2022 by the Academic Geriatrics Society / European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology published by Galenos Publishing House.