Survey of symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination in India

Background: COVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out recently in several parts of the world. Although the protective efficacy is frequently discussed, little is known about the real-world post-vaccination experience outside of clinical trial conditions. Knowledge about what to expect after vaccination will help educate the public, dispel misinformation and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Aim: 1. To assess the immediate response to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 2. To study the spectrum of post-vaccination symptom profile for individual vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was done which included questions pertaining to the immediate post vaccination experience in India. Results: A total of 5396 people responded to the survey over a one-week period from 29 January to 4 February. Overall, 65.9 % of respondents reported at least one post-vaccination symptom. Tiredness (45%), myalgia (44%), fever (34%), headache (28%), local pain at injection site (27%), joint pain (12%), nausea (8%) and diarrhea (3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. The chance of having symptoms decreased with advancing age. The frequency of symptoms was 81% (3rd decade or 20-29 years), 80% (4th decade or 30-39 years), 68% (5th decade), 58% (6th decade), 45% (7th decade), 34% (8th decade) and 7% (9th decade, 80-90 years). Post-vaccination symptoms were more likely to be reported by women (74.7%) compared to men (58.6%) (p < 0.001). Among those who reported symptoms, 79% noticed them within the first 12 hours. 472 out of 5396 (8.7%) reported past history of COVID-19. Their symptom profile was not different to those who did not have a past history. Conclusions: Two-thirds of healthcare professionals who completed the survey reported mild and short-lived post-vaccination symptoms. Tiredness, myalgia and fever were most commonly reported. These symptoms were consistent with an immune response commonly associated with vaccines, and correlated with the findings from previously published phase 2/3 trials. In 90% cases, the symptoms were either milder than expected or meeting the expectation of the vaccine recipient. No serious events were reported. Symptoms were more common among younger individuals. There was no difference in symptoms among those who had a past history of COVID-19.