Survey on individual experiences after first dose of COVID-19 vaccination amongst Indian oral health care personnel

Abstract

Apprehension pertaining to adverse events associated with vaccine can create hesitancy in population which undermines their confidence in vaccination programmes. Clarity regarding what could be expected post-vaccination through reliable scientific data helps in allaying the apprehension. Our research aims at gauging the adverse experiences of oral health care professionals following first dose of immunization against COVID-19 with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (COVISHIELD™) and BBV152 (COVAXIN®). Data was collected by means of e-questionnaire circulated through online media such as social media platforms to oral health care professionals in India. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v 26.0, IBM). Descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentage for categorical data, Mean & SD for numerical data has been depicted. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was done using chi square test. Pain at site of injection (n=243) was the most frequently reported AEFI, followed by fever (n=225), headache (n=185), body ache (n=156) and fatigue (n=146). Majority of the AEFIs were perceived to be of mild (58.22%) to moderate (31.50%) severity by the respondents and resolved within first two days of immunization. AEFIs are almost inevitable when population on a nation-wide scale is involved in the vaccination scheme Availability of scientific data pertaining to AEFIs that could be expected post-vaccination such as our findings could provide clarity to general population about the issue, thereby purging any apprehension developed due to myths circulation through various modes of media.