How safe is Covishield (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) Vaccine? Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Inbaraj, L. R.; George, C. E.; Franklyn, N. N.

Background: Coronavirus disease vaccine has been recently rolled out for health care workers in India. We aimed to determine the incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) after their first dose of the ChAdOx1nCoV-19 vaccine. Methodology: We recruited 218 HCWs for this cross-sectional study. We circulated a google form on the hospital and asked them to self-report their vaccination experience. Results: Two-thirds (69.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.1-75.7) had minor AEFI, and none had severe AEFI. Body ache (46.8%, 95% CI: 40-53.6) was the most common symptom followed by headache (30.3%, 95% CI: 24.2-36.8). Most of them (39.4%, 95% CI: 32.9-46.2) experienced symptoms within 4-24 h after taking the vaccine. Majority (78.9%) were anxious before the vaccination. The younger age group and female gender were significantly associated with AEFI. Conclusion: HCWs experienced minor, self-limiting AEFI with the first dose of ChAdOx1nCoV-19. The hospital reported no serious AEFI following the vaccination.