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.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the immediate side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in the Pakistani population. Results showed that fever, soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site were the most common side effects, with younger participants more likely to experience gastrointestinal disturbance and flu-like symptoms.