Investigating Dermatological Side Effects of COVID‐19 Vaccination Among the Bangladeshi Population

Background While the safety profile of COVID‐19 vaccines has been extensively evaluated, dermatological adverse events remain insufficiently characterized, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Existing studies in Bangladesh primarily focus on systemic postvaccination effects, with limited attention to cutaneous manifestations, their functional impact, and dose‐related patterns. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence and determinants of dermatological side effects following COVID‐19 vaccination among the Bangladeshi population. Methods A nationwide cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 1 to March 1, 2025, involving 819 adults (aged ≥ 18) who had received at least one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine. A multistage sampling strategy ensured geographic and demographic representativeness. Detailed information on pre‐existing dermatological conditions, postvaccination cutaneous symptoms, timing, and functional impact was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of dermatological side effects, and model discrimination was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results Overall, 66.3% of participants reported at least one dermatological reaction following vaccination. The most frequently reported manifestations were itching (32.8%), rash (28.4%), psoriasis (10.8%), and eczema (10.4%). These side effects affected daily activities in 62.2% of cases, particularly work (40.9%) and social life (36.2%). Age, vaccine type, and number of doses received were significant predictors ( p < 0.05). Individuals under 20 and over 60 had higher risk ( p = 0.005), and those receiving ≥ 3 doses had significantly increased odds of side effects ( p < 0.001). AstraZeneca recipients reported more dermatological reactions than those receiving Pfizer, Moderna, or Sinopharm. The predictive model showed good performance (AUC = 0.794). Conclusion Dermatological side effects following COVID‐19 vaccination are common, clinically heterogeneous, and frequently disrupt daily functioning in the Bangladeshi population. The observed associations with vaccine type and cumulative dosing highlight the need for dermatology‐informed vaccine safety surveillance and targeted patient counseling to support sustained vaccine confidence.