Short Term Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients Presenting At a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with short term side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in patients presenting at Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore
Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with non-probability sampling conducted at the vaccination center of a tertiary care hospital, Lahore, among 381 adults from December 2021-Feburaray 2022. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23 whereas p-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Among 381 adults, 171 (44.9%) experienced short term side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. There were 163(42.8%) males and 218(57.2%) females with a mean age of 30.09±9.26 years. Among 171(44.9%), weakness 72 (18.9%) was the most reported side effect, followed by local swelling 69(18.1%), local pain 63(16.5%) and fever 52(13.6%).Female gender, fear about side effects, family member's experience of side effects, vaccination due to self-protection, media and government advice were significant factors associated with short term side effects.
Conclusion: Short term side effects were reported among 171 (44.9%) of patients. Health education and public awareness are required to remove the fear of side effects among public.