General practitioners' perspectives on symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination – Findings from a survey in German practice-based research networks

A directive of the German Joint Federal Committee places general practitioners (GPs) at the centre of care for patients with Long/Post-COVID, including those whose symptoms emerged after a COVID-19 vaccination (not after infection). To date, no studies have examined consultation reasons of patients in general practice for Post-COVID-like symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination or GPs' perspectives on this issue. The aim of the sub-study presented here, which is part of the main study ‘COVID_ShortForm_GP’, was to evaluate GPs' perceptions of patients presenting with Post-COVID-like symptoms after Covid-19 vaccination (Post-Vac). The research questions focused on GPs' assessment of whether Post-Vac constitutes a distinct condition and on the symptoms presented. ‘COVID_ShortForm_GP’ was a pilot study across six German practice-based research networks, involving 18 university institutes and 156 GP practices. As one part of this online survey, GPs answered questions about their perception of Post-Vac. Analysis was descriptive-exploratory, with free-text responses grouped into thematic categories. Of 156 GPs who took part in the COVID_ShortForm_GP- study, 85 (54,5%) answered at least one question on Post-Vac. Of these, 42,9% considered Post-Vac a distinct condition, and more than 90% had seen patients who believed they were suffering from Post-Vac; 36.1% of GPs had patients they suspected to have Post-Vac. GPs reported cardiac symptoms, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neurocognitive impairment as typical symptoms. Our findings indicate that the majority of GPs provide care to patients with suspected Post-Vac. The condition itself, however, remains the subject of ongoing debate. • General practitioners (GPs) are key contacts for patients with suspected Post-Vac but face uncertainties regarding its classification. • 90% of participating GPs reported caring for patients who suspected they were experiencing post-vac syndrome • 43% of participants believed that post-vac syndrome constitutes a distinct clinical entity. • The reported symptoms were comparable to those described for post-COVID syndrome. • Clear guidance is essential to support GPs in their central role in Post-Covid and Post-Vac care.