Prevalence of Post COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects amongst Corp Members in an NYSC Orientation Camp in North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Covid-19 vaccination is recommended for the prevention of Covid-19 infection. However, there is paucity of studies assessing post-vaccination side effects, especially in Africa, and thus, the need for this study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of post-covid-19 vaccination side effects; the frequency of occurrence of each side effect and the willingness to receive the second dose of the vaccine.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Corp members undergoing the three-week compulsory orientation course in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Keffi, North-Central Nigeria. A total of 552 Corp members received the Covid-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca), 268 consented and were enrolled in the study. Data were obtained through online Google forms and were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 25 years (SD = 2.5). The prevalence of post-covid-19 vaccination side effects was 90.7%, 95% CI (86.8 - 93.8). The most common side effects were weakness (53.5%), pain at the injection site (52.7%), and headache (52.7%). There was a weak association between the duration of symptoms and intake of medications (Cramer's V = 0.148) which was not statistically significant. About a quarter, 62 (24.0%), of the respondents who received the first dose of the vaccine, were unwilling to accept the second dose, mainly due to their fear of the side effects - 53 (85.5%).

CONCLUSION

Our study population had a high prevalence of post-covid-19 vaccination side effects. Thus, the need to educate recipients on possible side effects and remedies.