Evaluation of adverse effects with COVID-19 vaccination in Pakistan

Objectives: Vaccinations work with different mechanisms to offer protection against disease; however, process of immunity building can cause symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the immediate side effects of COVID–19 vaccination in the Pakistani Population.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Foundation University College of Dentistry, Islamabad from February to April 2021. 0.5 mL per dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was administered to the candidates. These 205 candidates receiving vaccination were then interviewed investigating the adverse effects of the vaccine. Post-vaccination side effects were compared among categorical groups using the Chi-Square test, whereas post-vaccination side effects were compared with age using independent samples T-test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was statistically significant.

Results: Among post-vaccination side effects, fever was reported by 69 participants, while 56 of 205 reported soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. It was reported by 42/205 participants to have felt chills and rigor, whereas gastrointestinal disturbance and flu-like symptoms were reported in 55/205 and 28/205 participants, respectively. Younger participants were more likely to develop gastrointestinal disturbance and flu-like symptoms following vaccination as compared to older participants.

Conclusion: Malaise, headache, and fever were observed to be the most common side effects of the vaccine, moreover there was a linear relationship between manifestations of adverse effects and history of comorbidities.