Adverse Events Following Sinopharm Covid-19 Vaccination among Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating at least 70% of the population to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.
• Various COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced, including the Sinopharm inactivated vaccine.
• Understanding vaccine side effects is crucial for public acceptance and vaccination campaign success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the side effects experienced by medical students after receiving the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.
• To assess the frequency and nature of adverse events following the first and second doses of the vaccine.
• To address and mitigate public apprehension surrounding the Sinopharm vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 228 medical students.
• Data on side effects were collected after the administration of the first and second doses of the Sinopharm vaccine.
• Frequencies and percentages were used to present the collected data on adverse events.

Main Results:

• Vaccine site pain was reported by 84.0% after the first dose and 78.0% after the second dose.
• Headache (49.8% after 1st dose, 38.8% after 2nd dose) and fever (36.0% after 1st dose, 17.2% after 2nd dose) were common side effects.
• Other reported side effects included mild muscle and joint pain, which resolved quickly.

Conclusions:

• Adverse effects following both doses of the Sinopharm vaccine were predominantly mild and common.
• The observed side effects were non-life-threatening, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
• The study findings can help reduce fear and encourage uptake of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.