Assessment of Postvaccination Adverse Events Following Covid19 Immunization: A Community Based Survey

Background: Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has played a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, concerns regarding post-vaccination adverse effects continue to influence vaccine acceptance. Evaluating real-world adverse events following post-COVID-19 vaccination is essential to strengthen public confidence and guide public health strategies. Objectives: To assess the prevalence, onset, duration, and management of post-COVID-19 vaccination effects among vaccinated individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using Google Forms over a four-month period in 2021. A total of 156 respondents aged 18 years and above who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine participated in the study. Data collected included demographic characteristics, vaccine type received, post-vaccination symptoms, timing of symptom onset, duration, and management measures. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Results: Among the respondents, Covishield was the most commonly administered vaccine (77.6%), followed by Covaxin (21.8%). The most frequently reported post-vaccination symptoms were injection-site pain (49.4%), fever or headache (48.1%), and fatigue (44.2%), while 30.1% of participants reported no symptoms. Symptoms most commonly appeared within 12–24 hours following vaccination (44.9%) and resolved within three days in over 70% of cases. Rest at home (59.6%) and paracetamol use (53.8%) were the primary management strategies. Hospitalization was rare (1.9%), indicating predominantly mild adverse events. Conclusion: The findings indicate that post-COVID-19 vaccination effects were largely mild, transient, and self-limiting, with minimal need for medical intervention. These results support the favorable safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines and may help reduce vaccine hesitancy. Continued post-vaccination surveillance and larger longitudinal studies are recommended to further evaluate rare or long-term effects.