Factors associated with events allegedly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among older adults: retrospective study in Teresina-PI, Brazil

Abstract

Objective To analyze the factors associated with Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization for SARS-CoV-2 among older adults. Method Census, descriptive and retrospective study, carried out in Teresina, Piauí and approved by the Research Ethics Committee. A total of 51 elderly participated, who received at least one dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 and who presented or not a reported event between February and September 2021. Results 76.5% of the older adults received the AstraZeneca vaccine in the 1st dose. The mean occurrence of events was 3.45. As for severity, 82.4% were classified as not severe; 17.6% were severe, of which 66.7% resulted in hospitalization, 22.2% in death and 11.1% in permanent disability. The most frequent events were related to the musculoskeletal system, followed by headache, related to the neurological and digestive system. There was a statistically significant association of the event related to the respiratory system with age group and of the immunization error with gender. Conclusion and implications for practice Although events supposedly attributable to vaccination/immunization in older adults have been observed, it is noted that they are within the expected range, with their behavior being of a not severe, low-risk type for this group, in addition to being ensured the benefits when compared to the risks.