Study Of Adverse Event Following Immunization Against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

This study investigates the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines administered under emergency use authorization, focusing on the occurrence and management of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs). Results indicate that the majority of AEFIs were mild to moderate, consistent with findings from phase III clinical trials. Notably, adverse events were more frequent after the first dose, highlighting the importance of robust post-vaccination monitoring. Gender-based differences revealed a higher prevalence of AEFIs in males, suggesting a potential link to sex-specific immune responses influenced by hormones such as testosterone. Comparative analysis showed a slightly higher incidence of AEFIs with Covishield, an adenoviral vector vaccine, compared to Covaxin, an inactivated virus vaccine. The use of over-the-counter medications like Dolo 625 mg and PCM 500 mg was effective in managing symptoms, though a significant portion of participants did not seek treatment. These findings underscore the need for public health campaigns to raise awareness about AEFIs and their management. While limited by its observational design and self-reported data, this study emphasizes the importance of future research, including long-term follow-up and studies involving diverse populations, to further understand vaccine safety and efficacy.