Abstract Background Adverse reactions to vaccines are common, but the nature and severity vary among individuals. This study describes vaccine reactions following vaccination with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine Comirnaty® (Bretovameran, BioNTech Manufacturing, Mainz, Germany) and the vector-based vaccine Vaxzevria® (ChAdOx1‑S, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK). Particular focus was placed on the pattern of reactions in individuals with and without allergies or atopic diseases. Furthermore, the study investigated whether gender- or age-specific differences were discernible. Hypothesis The type and frequency of immunogenic vaccine reactions differ depending on individual, potentially predisposing factors such as pre-existing allergies, atopic status, or age and gender. Methods Employees who received their first vaccination with the Comirnaty® or Vaxzevria® vaccines from the occupational health service of the University Hospital Marburg during the COVID-19 pandemic between December 27, 2020, and April 23, 2021 were given an anonymous questionnaire. Information was obtained regarding the occurrence of immunogenic and allergic vaccine reactions, as well as age, gender, known allergies, and pre-existing atopic conditions. Results In all, 74.8% of vaccinated employees ( n = 2845) participated in the study. Both COVID-19 vaccines administered showed a high incidence (70.6%) of local reactions and a comparatively lower frequency of systemic immune reactions such as fatigue (45.6%), headaches (35.1%), and muscle aches (27.1%). The most common side effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Individuals with a history of allergies and/or atopic diseases developed immunogenic local or systemic reactions significantly more frequently. Female and younger people (aged 18–34) were more likely to develop systemic reactions, while male participants were more likely to experience local vaccine side effects. No life-threatening side effects, particularly no anaphylaxis, were observed in connection with the vaccination. Conclusion Individuals with allergies and atopic conditions appear to notice immunogenic reactions more frequently following vaccination. Possible reasons could include a specific immunoreactive predisposition or subjective expectations. The pattern of vaccine reactions may vary by gender and age.
Guerrero et al. (2026) studied this question.