COVID-19 Vaccination: An Observational Study on Postvaccination Infections and Side-effects

Introduction: Given the mortality and morbidity caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the lack of therapeutic options, the need for vaccines has become inevitable. Knowledge about covid infection after vaccination and vaccine-related side-effects are essential to educate people and avoid myths about vaccination. Aim: To evaluate the side-effects and incidence of COVID-19 in vaccinated people, and to compare the side-effect profile and postvaccination incidence of the infection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, email-based, survey was done from 1st July 2021 to 31st July 2021 at Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 920 people were sent emails about the details and questionnaire of the study. All COVID-19 vaccinated and those who were more than 18 years of age were included in this study. A total of 506 subjects responded. Total 18 questions in the English language were there. The questions were about demographics, co-morbidities, the name of vaccine taken, postvaccination adverse effects, and COVID-19 positivity. Results: Of the 506 vaccinated subjects, 287 (56.71%) received Covaxin®, 203 (40.11%) received Covishield® and 16 (3.16%) received other vaccines (BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine-8, Sputnik V-3, Spikevax-5). The mean age of the participants was 37 years, and 45.2% (229) were females and 54.8% (277) were males. Side-effects were reported by 73.1%, and 65.17% of individuals after the first and second doses of Covaxin®, respectively, compared to 84.7% and 62.5% after Covishield®. Local pain and tiredness were the most common symptoms after Covaxin® and Covishield®. Conclusion: Local pain and tiredness were the most common side-effects of Covaxin® and Covishield® vaccines. The number of participants in other vaccine groups was very minimal to study and compare their effects. Overall, the vaccines are safe and seem to show protection, although mild side-effects can be observed, which are usually non fatal. No difference in the incidence of infections was observed between vaccine groups