Post-vaccination incidence and side effects of COVID-19 in a cohort of Brazilian healthcare professionals: an internet-based survey

Abstract

Objective: So far, at least 18 different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 vaccines have been approved. Until October 2022, 12.8 billion doses had been administered all over the world. Vaccination of high-risk groups and healthcare professionals was initially prioritized. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate the occurrence of vaccine side effects, as well as the incidence of COVID-19 among vaccinated healthcare professionals. Methods: A survey was structured and shared with healthcare professionals using a digital platform to collect data between May and June 2021. Results: This study included 6,115 participants. The most prevalent age group was 30-39 years (31.3%), 67.3% were female and 73.2% accounted for physicians, and nearly half worked in frontline care for COVID-19. Approximately, two-thirds of them were vaccinated with CoronaVac, and about 60% reported at least one side effect following the vaccination. Nevertheless, minor reactions were more frequent, such as pain at site of injection, fatigue, and headache. Our data could be used to inform people on the likelihood of side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly CoronaVac, since this is the largest study about vaccine reactions using this vaccine, to our best knowledge. Conclusion: The incidence of side effects in Brazilian healthcare professionals was 60%, and the most common side effects included local swelling/ pain, fatigue/tiredness, fever, headache, and limb pain.

Comment to: Post-vaccination incidence and side effects of COVID-19 in a cohort of Brazilian healthcare professionals: an internet-based survey

“…Dear Editor, We would like to share our feedback on the publication "Post-vaccination incidence and side effects of COVID-19 in a cohort of Brazilian healthcare professionals: an internet-based survey". (1) Ballestero et al looked into the prevalence of vaccine adverse effects and COVID-19 among healthcare workers who had been vaccinated. (1) According to Ballestero et al, 60% of Brazilian healthcare workers had side effects, with local swelling/pain, fatigue/weariness, fever, headache, and limb pain being the most prevalent ones.…”

“…( 1 ) Ballestero et al looked into the prevalence of vaccine adverse effects and COVID-19 among healthcare workers who had been vaccinated. ( 1 ) According to Ballestero et al, 60% of Brazilian healthcare workers had side effects, with local swelling/pain, fatigue/weariness, fever, headache, and limb pain being the most prevalent ones. ( 1 ) It is still challenging to identify the precise clinical association because limited information on the health and immunological status of vaccination recipients prior to inoculation is available.…”

“…( 1 ) According to Ballestero et al, 60% of Brazilian healthcare workers had side effects, with local swelling/pain, fatigue/weariness, fever, headache, and limb pain being the most prevalent ones. ( 1 ) It is still challenging to identify the precise clinical association because limited information on the health and immunological status of vaccination recipients prior to inoculation is available. If people are given misleading information, they may react negatively to immunizations and lose faith in them.…”