Pattern of adverse events following immunization of COVID vaccination among adolescents in Union Territory of Puducherry, India

Abstract

Abstract Background: Adolescents’ COVID-19 vaccination (15–18 years) was advised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to protect the vulnerable group against COVID-19 infection and reduce the severity of the illness. The information on the pattern of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) following COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents is not available in the Indian population. This study aimed to assess the pattern of AEFI following COVID-19 vaccination among 15–18-year adolescents in the Union Territory of Puducherry and identify the various remedial measures to manage the encountered AEFIs and their impact on the AEFI. Methodology: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in government, government-run, and private schools after obtaining necessary approval from the concerned in Pondicherry. A pretested and content-validated questionnaire consisting of demographic details of the participants, name of the COVID-19 vaccine, number of doses taken, various AEFI, onset of symptoms and its duration, various remedial measures employed, and details of AEFI reported was utilized for the study. Responses were obtained either through Google Forms or by administering the questionnaire in person. Data were entered in MS Excel, and analysis was performed using SPSS. Frequency and percentage were used to represent the categorical data. Mean and standard deviation were used to represent the quantitative data. The Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test was used to find the association between the categorical data. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: About 75.7% of recipients received Covaxin, 22.4% received Covishield, and 1.9% received other vaccines. About 96.9% said that they encountered adverse events following vaccination. The most common adverse event reported was pain at the injection site, tiredness, fever, myalgia, headache, hypersomnia, and joint pain. Less common adverse events, such as insomnia, vertigo, giddiness, nausea, and vomiting, were also reported by the participants. Fever (P < 0.001), headache (P < 0.001), joint pain (P < 0.05), and giddiness (P < 0.01) were significantly more among Covishield recipients than Covaxin recipients. There was a statistically significant absence of AEFI and also fewer symptoms among boys when compared to girls. Duration of AEFI among girl participants was 2.43 ± 1.799, which was significantly (P < 0.001) more than the boys 2.03 ± 1.798. None of the study participants reported AEFI to the health-care authority. Conclusion: Information obtained in the study shows that COVID-19 vaccination is relatively safer in the adolescent population also with minimal adverse events similar to adults.