Post-Vaccination COVID-19 Side Effects and ABO Blood Type Correlation Among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A...

The global vaccination campaign against COVID-19 has necessitated monitoring vaccine-related adverse events among healthcare workers. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between ABO blood groups and the prevalence and perception of post-vaccination symptoms in this cohort.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 379 healthcare workers to collect demographic data, blood group information, vaccination status, symptom onset and duration, the impact of symptoms on work, and the efficacy of symptom relief measures.

A total of 61.5% of participants reported post-vaccination symptoms, with those of blood group O showing the highest impact on work performance (51.2%). The chi-square test revealed no statistically significant association between blood group and the effect on work performance (p = 0.638). Although 7.9% of respondents reported being unable to perform surgeries due to symptoms, most continued working. Symptom onset varied without a significant difference across blood groups (p = 0.176). Vomiting was the only symptom significantly associated with ABO blood group (p = 0.012). The majority of respondents (77.2%) found analgesics, such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), helpful in managing their symptoms, with no significant differences observed by blood group (p = 0.875). Regarding immune response expectations, 47.2% of participants felt their symptoms aligned with the expected vaccine effects, while 39.4% felt the symptoms were worse than anticipated.

Healthcare workers, especially those with Type O blood, reported greater disruption to work following COVID-19 vaccination. While most symptoms were not significantly associated with blood type, vomiting was an exception. These findings support the need for targeted post-vaccination monitoring and improved communication to manage expectations and side effects.