Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination Following First and Second Doses: A Cross-Sectional Survey Based on Vaccine-associated Factors

Due to the rapid launch and development of vaccines (the most ideal protocol for countering COVID-19), monitoring of post-vaccination side effects is essential. This study aimed to assess symptoms and side effects of three types of COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm) and the details of their relationship with demographic characteristics in Iran.

A cross-sectional and telephonic interview-based study was conducted from May 12 to July 11, 2021, among 420 university staff who received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The association of vaccination behavior-related symptoms after the first and second doses with age, gender, vaccine type, blood type, underlying medical situation, and past infection and reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed.

The majority of participants were men (58.7%), the median age was 41.30+11.208 years, and 18.6% were vaccinated with the Sputnik vaccine, 75.1% with Sinopharm, and 6.3% with AstraZeneca. In addition, 47.3% and 41.8% were symptomatic after first and second dose vaccination, respectively. The frequency of symptoms was higher in younger individuals, women, and AstraZeneca recipients (p = 0.001). The most frequently reported symptoms were fever, weakness, and muscular and injection site pain. These symptoms were more reported after the first dose than the second one. There was no significant connection between blood types, underlying medical situations, past infection and reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, and the prevalence of symptoms.

AstraZeneca, Sputnik, and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines were found to be safe and the lowest incidence of symptoms was seen in Sinopharm recipients.