Post COVID-19 vaccination: AusVaxSafety survey participation and adverse events - a community-based regional...

To describe adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation (AEFI) and participation in AusVaxSafety surveillance in a Queensland regional community.

Participants presenting for second dose COVID-19 vaccine at the Hervey Bay Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) vaccine clinic in July 2021 completed a survey pertaining to their first COVID-19 vaccine. Data collected included participation in AusVaxSafety surveillance, vaccine type (BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) or ChAdOx1-S(Oxford/AstraZeneca), AEFI experienced and impact on work/routine activities. Multivariable logistic regression related demographic factors to odds of surveillance participation and AEFI occurrence.

Of 1,148 participants, 37.6% participated in AusVaxSafety surveillance and 44.8% reported an AEFI. Participation in surveillance was higher in older (≥50 vs <50 years: OR 1.36, 95%CI:1.04-1.78) and less-educated participants (university vs. high school/below: OR 0.68, 95%CI:0.48-0.95). Reporting an AEFI was higher in younger (≥50 years vs. <50 years: BNT162b2: OR 0.69, 95%CI:0.51-0.93; ChAdOx1-S: OR 0.42, 95%CI:0.10-1.89), female (female vs. male: BNT162b2: OR 2.28, 95%CI:1.67-3.12; ChAdOx1-S: OR 1.85, 95%CI:1.17-2.94) and more educated participants (university vs. high school/below: BNT162b2:OR 1.63, 95%CI: 1.08-2.45; ChAdOx1-S: OR 3.98, 95%CI:2.03-7.79). Of participants with an AEFI, 15% reported missing work/routine activities.

Participation in surveillance was modest in this regional population, despite AEFI being frequent, and impacts of absenteeism in this setting warrants further research.

The findings can inform strategies to improve surveillance participation and inform workforce planning in regional areas.