Adverse events following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers: A single-centre experience in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has resulted in a massive disease burden worldwide. Mass vaccination plays an important role in controlling the spread and severity of COVID-19 infections worldwide.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban between 1 March 2021 and 4 May 2021 to describe the adverse events (AE) following BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccination. Healthcare personnel who received at least one dose of the vaccine were invited to complete an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 2282 analysed samples, AE were experienced in up to 64.5% (n=1472) of the study participants. Most AE were encountered after the second dose (56.5%, n=832). Pain at the injection site (41.5%, n=944), fever (35.1%, n=798) and lethargy (34.8%, n=792) were the most commonly reported AE. Severe AEFI were reported in a minority (2.9%, n=68). There were no documented anaphylaxis, vaccine-induced thrombosis, or myocarditis. The proportion of female recipients and recipients with a history of allergy were higher in the AE group compared to the non-AE group.

CONCLUSION

Our study reinforces the safety of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in the local population. The main adverse events were mild, although they occurred in most patients.