Severe Covid-19 Vaccine Side-effects are Rare but are Linked with Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

Hoffman, Yaakov; Palgi, Yuval; Goodwin, Robin; Ben-Ezra, Menachem; Greenblatt-Kimron, Lee

OBJECTIVE: Given previous evidence linking depression and vaccine hesitancy, the current study examined if COVID-19 vaccination side-effects are associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. METHODS: The survey was conducted by iPanel (a company that uses a probability-based panel) to obtain a good representation of vaccinated Israeli older adults (N = 939, mean age = 68.9±3.43). Participants completed web-based questionnaires comprising demographic variables, self-rated health, COVID-19 vaccination side-effects and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Although most side-effects were rarely reported on a severe or very severe level (less than 1-2%), each additional side-effect was associated with increased symptoms of clinical depression. Those with 3+ side-effects were more than seven times likely to show clinical symptom levels. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms might be usefully identified via the vaccination side-effects. Psycho-educational interventions might help reduce depressive side effects in older adults by emphasizing vaccine efficacy and safety.