Short-term adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines after the first, second, and booster doses: a cross-sectional survey from Punjab, Pakistan, and the implications

Abstract

Background: Safety and efficacy concerns regarding coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines are common among the public and have a negative impact on their uptake. We aimed to report the adverse effects currently associated with the vaccine in Pakistan to build confidence among the population for its adoption. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan between January and March 2022. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. All data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results:We recruited 1622 people with the majority aged between 25-45 years. Of these, 51% were female, including 27 pregnant women and 42 lactating mothers. Most participants had received the Sinopharm (62.6%) or Sinovac (17.8%) vaccines. The incidences of at least one side effect after the first (N = 1622), second (N = 1484), and booster doses (N = 219) of the COVID-19 vaccine were 16.5%, 20.1%, and 32%, respectively. Inflammation/erythema at the injection site, pain at the injection site, fever, and bone/muscle pain were common side effects of vaccination. No significant differences were observed in the adverse effect scores between all demographic variables except for pregnancy (P = 0.012) after the initial dose. No significant association was observed between any variable and the side effect scores of the second and booster doses of the vaccine. Conclusions:Our study showed a 16-32% prevalence of self-reported side effects after the first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. Most adverse effects were mild and transient, indicating the safety of different COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status as Well as Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Prisoners and the Implications

“…It is thought that this will change in Pakistan as we are already seeing booster doses being rolled out, with a recent cross-sectional study in Pakistan suggesting that the prevalence of self-reported side effects with the COVID-19 vaccines were similar whether this was the first, second, or booster vaccination. In addition, most side effects were mild and transient, indicating the safety of the different COVID-19 vaccines [ 82 ]. As such, this helped to dispel some of the misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines.…”

“…Moreover, incarcerated people may access health experts and psychologists who can help them understand the benefits of vaccination by discussing the advantages of being vaccinated against COVID-19, along with addressing possible safety concerns [ 87 ]. In this respect, the recent cross-sectional study in Pakistan suggesting that the prevalence of self-reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines were similar whether this was the first, second, or booster dose, and that the side effects seen were mild and transient, should help address some of the safety concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines [ 82 ]. Family and friends are also important in this regard; consequently, jail authorities should engage with them to enhance vaccination rates among prisoners.…”