Self-reported Side Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Promotional claims often highlight the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
• Real-world data may present a different perspective on vaccine safety and adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the types and frequency of adverse reactions following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
• To analyze real-world data on vaccine side effects in a diverse cohort.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an online reporting system ('Pabbly') to collect data on adverse reactions.
• Recruited 100 subjects via social media to report symptoms temporally associated with vaccination.
• Collected demographic information, latency periods, and specific symptoms reported post-vaccination.

Main Results:

• The study cohort (n=100) had a mean age of 42.6 years, with 91% females.
• Commonly reported symptoms included tingling/vibration (79%), numbness (57%), heart problems (53%), and muscle weakness (45%).
• 37% of participants required hospitalization, with some experiencing serious side effects necessitating intensive care.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is associated with a range of side effects, irrespective of the vaccine product.
• A significant proportion of vaccinated individuals experienced serious adverse events requiring medical intervention.
• Vaccine manufacturers should address and respond to reported adverse reactions effectively.