Side effects of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: A randomized, cross-sectional study with detailed self-reported symptoms from healthcare workers

Kadali, Renuka A.K.; Janagama, Ravali; Peruru, Sharanya; Malayala, Srikrishna V.

INTRODUCTION: Concerns are prevailing about the safety and side effects from BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: A randomized, cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the side effects of BNT162b2 vaccine using an independent online questionnaire gathering responses from healthcare workers (HCWs) with detailed review of organ systems. RESULTS: Of all HCWs, 87.98% (1245/1415) completed the survey. Of them, 64.5 % (803/1245) received BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and reported at-least one or more symptoms (classified based on organ systems and occurrence rate) post-vaccination. Of these, 640/803 (79.7%) were able to continue activities of daily living (ADL), 103/803 (12.83%) were temporarily unable to perform ADL, 99/803 (12.33%) temporarily took off from work, only 20/803 (2.49%) required help from an outpatient provider, 5/803 (0.62%) required help from emergency department, and 2/803 (0.25%) required hospitalization. Despite, 97.61% had no intention to skip the second dose and 92.9% had already received it. CONCLUSIONS: The commonly reported symptoms (occurrence in the descending order) include soreness, fatigue, myalgia, headache, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea, muscle spasm, sweating, dizziness, flushing, feelings of relief, brain fogging, anorexia, localized swelling, decreased sleep quality, itching, tingling, diarrhea, nasal stuffiness, and palpitations. Despite, there is remarkable acceptance for the second dose among HCWs.