Assessment of Safety and Acceptance toward Covid-19 Vaccines: A cross-sectional Study in Egypt

Aim and backgroundCoronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) is a highly spreadable respiratory system disease. Vaccination is a preventive approach to combat the pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate vaccination pattern in Egypt compared to the world, evaluate the short-term side effects of different vaccines and to assess peoples knowledge, satisfaction, and tolerability of the vaccines. MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based online survey conducted using a Google Form-questionnaire to gather information from the general public regarding their knowledge, satisfaction, and tolerability to COVID-19 vaccine. Demographic data, previous infection with Covid-19, risk factors, type of vaccine received and side effects were collected and statistically analyzed. ResultsA total of 508 responses were included in the final analysis. Results showed that most of the participants were females (67.5%), between 20 and 40 years of age (68.3%), and from the medical field (51.1%). The main reported risk factors associated with Covid-19 infection were chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (26.2%), followed by work environment (25%), respiratory conditions (18.2%), and advanced age (16.8%). 57.3% of the respondents received adequate information about the vaccine, 43.3% trusted the information provided while 24.2% required more information. Among all respondents, 78.5% received Covid-19 vaccine were SinoPharm BBIBP was the most administered vaccine (30.4%). Reported adverse effects were injection site pain (18.3%), headache (17.9%), fever (16.8%), fatigue (20.9%), muscle aches (15.1%), nausea (10.8%) and menstrual irregularities (0.2%). Seriousness of Covid-19 infection was the main reason for accepting Covid-19 vaccination (69.7%), followed by believing in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (36%), while travel was reported with a percentage of 22.2%. ConclusionThe study showed that the participants generally had a good perception and acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination. The main adverse events reported were fever, fatigue and headache. Age is an independent profound variable influencing tolerability of Covid-19 vaccine. Impact of findings on practice statementsO_LIGood perception and acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination, depend on the factual information from trusted sources, mainly the ministry of health. C_LIO_LIAge significantly influenced tolerability of Covid-19 vaccine among participants. C_LIO_LIDemographic factors impact how people view and perceive Covid-19 vaccinations. C_LI