scholarly journals Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine side effects among healthcare workers in Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Cuschieri ◽  
M Borg ◽  
S Agius ◽  
J Souness ◽  
A Brincat ◽  
...  

Abstract Background COVID-19 vaccination is critical to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from serious infection. The first vaccine approved for emergency use was the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. European countries received their first supplies at the end of December 2020. The European country of Malta started its vaccination roll-out immediately targeting HCWs. The aim of this study was to evaluate side effects. Methods An anonymous online Google Forms survey was disseminated to all HCWs via work e-mail addresses (29th March to 9th April 2021). This gathered demographic data and side-effects regarding pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle/joint pains, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea severity following each dose (Likert scale). Descriptive, comparative, and multiple binary regression analyses were performed. Results There were 1480 responses (response rate 30.30%). The commonest side-effect (SE) was pain at the injection site (88.92% CI95%:87.21-90.42), with the majority reporting it as mild (51%) and moderate (43%). Fatigue reported by 72.97% (CI95%:70.65-75.17), with 42% reporting it as mild and 41% as moderate. Headaches reported by 44.28% (CI95%:41.74-46.80), with 51% claiming to be mild and 34% as moderate. Females had significantly (p = <0.01 respectively) more pain (OR:1.90), redness (OR:2.49), swelling at the injection site (OR:1.33), fever (OR:1.74), chills (OR:2.32), fatigue (OR:2.43), muscle (OR:1.54) and joint pains (OR:2.01), headache (OR:2.07) and vomiting (OR:3.43) when adjusted for age and HCW role. Younger individuals (18-34 years) reported higher SE rates than older adults. Localised SE was reported following both vaccine doses, unlike systemic SE that was mostly reported following second doses. Conclusions Females and young adults appeared to be more susceptible to SE among this study's cohort, however the nature of these SE was mostly mild or moderate. This is encouraging and should allay vaccine apprehension/hesitancy. Key messages Vaccination benefits outweigh the minor side effects experienced. Caring physicians should be notified of the female higher susceptibility to side effects. Vaccination should be encouraged among all eligible population.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Balsam Qubais ◽  
Rula Al-Shahrabi ◽  
Shaikha Salah Alhaj ◽  
Zainab Mansour Alkokhardi ◽  
Ahmed Omar Adrees

Objectives Vaccines are one of the best interventions developed for eradicating COVID-19 the rapid creation of vaccinations was increased the risk of vaccine safety problems. The aim of this study to provide evidence on Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between January and April 2021 to collect data on the effects of COVID-19 vaccine among individuals in the UAE. Demographic data chronic conditions side effects of the 1st and 2nd dose toward the vaccination, and the response of unwilling taking COVID-19 vaccine were reported. Results The most common side effects of post 1st dose (less than 49 years old vs >49 years) were normal injection site pain, fatigue, and headache while pain at the vaccination site fatigue lethargy headache and tenderness were the most side effects of the post 2nd dose in both groups. All the side effects in both doses were more prevalent among the participants less than 49-year-old group. Among females vs males side effects were more common in females compared with males in both doses in both doses. The most common adverse reactions of 1st dose in (females vs males) were fatigue lethargy headache while in 2nd dose were fatigue sever injection site pain. The most common reason of not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine were the vaccines are not effective and they were not authorized to take vaccine. Conclusion The 1st and 2nd dose post-vaccination side effects were mild predictable and there were no hospitalization cases this data will help to reduce the vaccine hesitancy.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 752
Author(s):  
Miloslav Klugar ◽  
Abanoub Riad ◽  
Mohamed Mekhemar ◽  
Jonas Conrad ◽  
Mayte Buchbender ◽  
...  

Background: the increasing number of COVID-19 vaccines available to the public may trigger hesitancy or selectivity towards vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the post-vaccination side effects of the different vaccines approved in Germany; Methods: a cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out using an online questionnaire validated and tested for a priori reliability. The questionnaire inquired about demographic data, medical and COVID-19-related anamneses, and local, systemic, oral, and skin-related side effects following COVID-19 vaccination; Results: out of the 599 participating healthcare workers, 72.3% were females, and 79.1% received mRNA-based vaccines, while 20.9% received a viral vector-based vaccine. 88.1% of the participants reported at least one side effect. Injection site pain (75.6%) was the most common local side effect, and headache/fatigue (53.6%), muscle pain (33.2%), malaise (25%), chills (23%), and joint pain (21.2%) were the most common systemic side effects. The vast majority (84.9%) of side effects resolved within 1–3 days post-vaccination; Conclusions: the mRNA-based vaccines were associated with a higher prevalence of local side effects (78.3% vs. 70.4%; Sig. = 0.064), while the viral vector-based vaccine was associated with a higher prevalence of systemic side effects (87.2% vs. 61%; Sig. < 0.001). Females and the younger age group were associated with an increased risk of side effects either after mRNA-based or viral vector-based vaccines. The gender- and age-based differences warrant further rigorous investigation and standardized methodology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (9) ◽  
pp. 703-711
Author(s):  
See Ming Lim ◽  
Hwang Ching Chan ◽  
Amelia Santosa ◽  
Swee Chye Quek ◽  
Eugene Hern Choon Liu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vaccination remains a key strategy to living endemically with COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was first granted interim authorisation for use in Singapore in December 2020. With overseas studies published about the safety and side effect profiles of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines focusing mainly on non-Asian populations, we described the side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination experienced by the healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Methods: Data were obtained from the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC) at the National University Hospital in Singapore, which monitored staff for any adverse effects within 30 minutes postvaccination on-site and any adverse effects after that. A cross-sectional study among the vaccinated HCWs was conducted using an online survey, which established basic demographics, histories of allergies or atopic disorders, and adverse events encountered after dose 1 and dose 2 of vaccination. Results: No anaphylaxis was reported. Most common symptom was giddiness (32.7%) experienced by HCWs within 30 minutes. Adverse events attended post-vaccination by OHC were generally mild and self-limiting. From the survey, odds of experiencing an adverse event after dose 2 was significantly higher than after the first dose, especially for fever/chills (odds ratio [OR] 22.5). Fever/chills, injection site reactions, headache, aches and pains, and feeling unwell were significantly more common in HCWs below 60 years compared to those ≥60 years. An allergy to food (adjusted OR 2.7) and a history of eczema/sensitive skin (adjusted OR 2.6) were associated with a skin reaction not at injection site. Conclusion: The side effects experienced after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are generally self-limiting and mild, with no anaphylaxis reported. Keywords: COVID-19, infectious diseases, occupational medicine, side effects, vaccination


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1428
Author(s):  
Abanoub Riad ◽  
Andrea Pokorná ◽  
Sameh Attia ◽  
Jitka Klugarová ◽  
Michal Koščík ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 vaccine side effects have a fundamental role in public confidence in the vaccine and its uptake process. Thus far, the evidence on vaccine safety has exclusively been obtained from the manufacturer-sponsored studies; therefore, this study was designed to provide independent evidence on Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out between January and February 2021 to collect data on the side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in the Czech Republic. The study used a validated questionnaire with twenty-eight multiple-choice items covering the participants’ demographic data, medical anamneses, COVID-19-related anamneses, general, oral, and skin-related side effects. Results: Injection site pain (89.8%), fatigue (62.2%), headache (45.6%), muscle pain (37.1%), and chills (33.9%) were the most commonly reported side effects. All the general side effects were more prevalent among the ≤43-year-old group, and their duration was mainly one day (45.1%) or three days (35.8%) following the vaccine. Antihistamines were the most common drugs associated with side effects, thus requiring further investigation. The people with two doses were generally associated with a higher frequency of side effects. Conclusions: The distribution of side effects among Czech healthcare workers was highly consistent with the manufacturer’s data, especially in terms of their association with the younger age group and the second dose. The overall prevalence of some local and systemic side effects was higher than the manufacturer’s report. Further independent studies on vaccine safety are strongly required to strengthen public confidence in the vaccine.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 7056-7063
Author(s):  
Vineel P ◽  
Gopala Krishna Alaparthi ◽  
Kalyana Chakravarthy Bairapareddy ◽  
Sampath Kumar Amaravadi

  Evidence-based Practice is defined as usage of current best evidence which is conscientious, explicit and judicious in deciding on the care of the individual. It is one of the vital decision-making processes in the medical profession. Though India is renowned as a center for medical education, there is scarcity regarding the literature on evidence-based practice. The survey aims to identify the prevalence of evidence-based practice among the physical therapists of Mangalore. The study protocol submitted to scientific research committee and Ethical institutional committee, K.M.C. Mangalore Manipal University. On approval, the questionnaire had been distributed among the physical therapists of Mangalore through mails and in the written form. The questionnaire consists of questions divided into eight sections: 1) consent form 2) current practice status; 3) demographic data; 4) behavior; 5) previous knowledge of E.B.P. resources; 6) skills and available resources; 7) Opinions regarding E.B.P.; 8)Perceived barriers regarding E.B.P. The emails were sent through Google forms to all the physical therapists, and hard copies were distributed among the selected physical therapists. The response rate for the emails was 13.1%. The response collected through hard copies was 178, whereas total hard copies distributed was 320, the participants rejected some due to lack of interest. In total, including emails and hard copy questionnaire 205 was the response rate in which all were practicing physical therapy as their primary profession. The findings of the study will pave the way to identify the status of evidence-based practice as well as help in designing promotional programmers for evidence-based practice.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana S. Curran ◽  
Pamela B. Andreatta ◽  
Xiao Xu ◽  
Clark E. Nugent ◽  
Samantha R. Dewald ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Residency programs seek to match the best candidates with their positions. To avoid ethical conflicts in this process, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP or Match) has rules regarding appropriate conduct, including guidelines on contact between candidates and programs. Our study examined communication between obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) programs and residency candidates after interviewing and prior to ranking. Methods Ob-Gyn program directors in the United States were sent a self-administered survey via e-mail. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive methods to examine communication practices of these programs. Results The response rate was 40%. The findings showed that respondents had variable interpretations of the NRMP rules and suggest that programs may be communicating their match intentions especially to favored candidates. Respondents' open text comments highlighted program directors' frustrations with current NRMP rules. Discussion NRMP communication rules are intended to minimize pressure on residency candidates. Our findings suggest they may be leading to unforeseen stresses on program directors and candidates. Conclusions As educational leaders in medicine, we must consider what professional communications are acceptable without increasing the pressure on candidates during the ranking and match process.


Author(s):  
Tomohide Kubo ◽  
Shun Matsumoto ◽  
Takeshi Sasaki ◽  
Hiroki Ikeda ◽  
Shuhei Izawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose We aimed to cross-sectionally investigate how work and sleep conditions could be associated with excessive fatigue symptoms as an early sign of Karoshi (overwork-related cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases; CCVDs). Methods We distributed a questionnaire regarding work, sleep, and excessive fatigue symptoms to 5410 truck drivers, as the riskiest occupation for overwork-related CCVDs, and collected 1992 total samples (response rate: 36.8%). The research team collected 1564 investigation reports required for compensation for Karoshi. Of them, 190 reports listed the prodromes of Karoshi, which were used to develop the new excessive fatigue symptoms inventory. Results One-way analyses of variance showed that the excessive fatigue symptoms differed significantly by monthly overtime hours (p < 0.001), daily working time (p < 0.001), work schedule (p = 0.025), waiting time on-site (p = 0.049), number of night shifts (p = 0.011), and sleep duration on workdays (p < 0.001). Multivariate mixed-model regression analyses revealed shorter sleep duration as the most effective parameter for predicting excessive fatigue symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the occurrences of CCVDs were significantly higher in the middle [adjusted ORs = 3.56 (1.28–9.94)] and high-score groups [3.55 (1.24–10.21)] than in the low-score group. Conclusion The findings suggested that shorter sleep duration was associated more closely with a marked increase in fatigue, as compared with the other work and sleep factors. Hence, ensuring sleep opportunities could be targeted for reducing the potential risks of Karoshi among truck drivers.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 742
Author(s):  
José Javier Morales-Núñez ◽  
José Francisco Muñoz-Valle ◽  
Carlos Meza-López ◽  
Lin-Fa Wang ◽  
Andrea Carolina Machado Sulbarán ◽  
...  

The main expected result of a vaccine against viruses is the ability to produce neutralizing antibodies. Currently, several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are being applied to prevent mortal complications, being Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) one of the first to be authorized in the USA and Mexico (11 December 2020). This study evaluated the efficacy of this vaccine on antibody production with neutralizing capacity and its side effects in healthcare workers with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and in a group of unvaccinated individuals with prior COVID-19. The main findings are the production of 100% neutralizing antibodies in both groups after the second dose, well-tolerated adverse effects, the possible presence of immunosenescence, and finally, we support that a single dose of this vaccine in individuals with prior COVID-19 would be sufficient to achieve an immunization comparable to people without prior COVID-19 with a complete vaccination program (2 doses).


Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Xiao Wan ◽  
Quansheng Lu ◽  
Dandan Sun ◽  
Hong Wu ◽  
Guan Jiang

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resurged in localized areas in China. Individuals wear masks to prevent the spread of droplets. However, skin barrier damage occurs because of the prolonged use of masks. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of skin injuries among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A multicenter cross-sectional study of skin barrier damage caused by wearing masks was conducted using an online questionnaire between December 10 and December 31, 2020. Data regarding demographics, characteristics of facial skin damage, and information on masks were registered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with skin barrier damage, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to establish correlation strength. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 1,538 responses were retrieved from 1,700 questionnaires (response rate, 90.47%), and 1,409 questionnaires were valid (effective response rate, 91.61%). The respondents comprised 567 HCWs (40.24%) and 842 individuals from the general population (59.76%). The prevalence of skin injuries was 46.03% among HCWs and 46.20% among the general population. History of chronic skin disease (OR, 6.01; 95% CI, 4.75–7.75), type of mask used (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.95–3.93), daily wearing time (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.36–1.82), and mask replacement cycle (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68–0.86) were associated with skin barrier damage. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> There was a high incidence of skin barrier damage due to prolonged mask use among HCWs and the general population, and treatment and prevention were inadequate. Attention needs to be given to strengthening comprehensive health education and popularization of science.


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