Adverse Events Following Vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccines: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect globally. The rapid development of vaccines certainly helped in mitigating the damage by controlling the transmission of infection as well as by decreasing the incidence of severe disease. The rapid development process raised concerns over vaccines’ safety particularly its long-term safety. Study of AEFI of these vaccines is essential to guide choices for specific groups of population as well as to address concerns with regards to vaccine hesitancy.

Methods: Pubmed and Cochrane review database were used to access the literature. Data from pertinent official sources such as WHO, govt. of India and others were also used. All the relevant articles were organised using Zotero reference manager.

Results:  The adverse reactions to various Covid 19 vaccines is mild to moderate in severity with no significant interference in daily activities of the recipient. Minor effects are similar in pregnant and non-pregnant population although some studies reported higher frequency of nausea and vomiting with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. There is no unique pattern in cause of deaths among few vaccine related deaths that have been reported.

Conclusion: Vaccine has been the cornerstone in controlling Covid-19 pandemic and remains the key for preventing any future outbreaks. The vaccines are safe to administer and induces protection. It is vital to be aware of and keep monitoring the adverse events which shall help in better selection of vaccines for groups and subgroups of populations as well as to address the problem of vaccine hesitancy.

Keywords: Covid-19 vaccine, AEFI, Vaccine Hesitancy, Adverse effects