ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG CHILDREN AGED 15-18 Y AT TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, TELANGANA: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: Government of India (GOI) has allowed vaccination for age group of 15-18 y. It is a positive step toward boosting immunization rates across the nation. As per guidelines, BBV152 vaccine, Bharat Biotech's “Covaxin” is approved for adolescents. The study was designed to evaluate adverse events following immunization (AEFI) among adolescents. Methods: A prospective, observational survey was carried out among the first 315 beneficiaries (adolescents of age 15-18 y) for a period of 5 mo at Osmania medical college and hospitals. Within 24 h, 48-72 h, and two weeks following the first and second doses of Covaxin, active and passive surveillance using telephonic inquiry and documentation relating to adverse events was conducted. The prevalence of AEFI and its association with demographic factors have been identified. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: The first 315 beneficiaries (Adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18) who received Covaxin were identified. All AEFIs reported were within the first 24-72 h of vaccination. AEFI incidence was higher in 1st dose (16.6%) when compared to 2nd dose (3.5%). No AEFIs were noted after 2 w. We found no association of AEFI with sex, age group, and past history of Covid as this finding is not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Overall, Covaxin has a good safety profile in adolescents. Symptoms were transient and of low intensity. There were no documented severe and serious AEFI. It is obligatory for documentation as the AEFI profile will encourage vaccine adoption and lessen reluctance