PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, NORTH WEST, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions to prevent infectious diseases. WHO has recommended several candidate vaccine viruses for the development of COVID-19 vaccines for the purpose of pandemic preparedness.

 This study assessed prevalence and pattern of AEFI following Covid-19 vaccination among adult population in Sokoto metropolis North-west.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 230 adult individuals in Sokoto metropolis using systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data which were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 computer software package.

Results:  The study revealed majority 183 (79.7%) of the respondents have experienced AEFI.  The most common adverse events were body weakness 157 (35%), fever 111 (24.7%), headache 103 (22.9%). Up to half of the respondents that experienced AEFI experienced it immediately, whereas 75 (40.8%) within 2-3days. Most of the reactions lasted for few hours (37.5%) and one day (31.5%). Majority of the reactions were mild (66.3%) and 15.2% had severe reactions of which 22.7% were admitted in a health facility. Absence of underline medical condition, previous history of AEFI and history of drug reaction protect against development of AEFI. 

Conclusion: This study revealed majority of the respondents experienced adverse events following covid 19 vaccination and most common AEFIs among respondents were body weakness, fever and headache. Underlying medical condition, previous history of AEFIs to other vaccines and history of drug reaction were the predictors of development of adverse reaction following covid 19 vaccination.

Recommendations: The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other stakeholders need to address health care workers’ concerns about the safety and adverse side effects of COVID-19 vaccines by carrying out more sensitization workshops.

Keywords: pattern, AEFI, prevalence, adult population, COVID-19, Vaccination.

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