Adverse events reported after first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Aim: The study examined the associated adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among healthcare workers during the first dose of the vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey involving 463 healthcare workers.

Method: The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed descriptively, and binary logistics was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results: The mean age was 33.4 ± 9.7 years, the majority (43.6%) being ≤30 years and males (57.2%). The self-reported prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adverse events was 75.5%. Common systemic adverse events comprised headache (47.5%), dizziness (18.4%) and local adverse events included generalized body pains (44.0%) and abscess around the injection sites (11.2%). The study found a high prevalence of self-reported SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adverse events involving both systemic and local adverse events. Our study gives useful information that can be used for public health-targeted interventions to boost public confidence in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; adverse events; first dose; healthcare workers; vaccine.