Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination: a Cross-Sectional Study in Ibadan, Nigeria https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-63-3-46

Abstract

Background: Vaccination has been described as the most critical tool to end the COVID-19 pandemic and to save lives and livelihoods. This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum of adverse events following immunization with the COVID-19 AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study. Adults aged ≥ 18 years who had received the Astra-Zeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine at selected COVID-19 vaccination centres across three Local Government Areas in Ibadan, SW Nigeria, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to determine the spectrum of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).

Results: We enrolled 369 adults, 179 males and 190 females, with a mean age of 37.8 ±12.0 years. Three hundred and thirty-two (90.0%) of the subjects experienced one or more AEFI. Of the total AEFIs reported, the most frequent were headache 225 (21.1%), fatigue/tiredness 186 (17.4%), pain at the injection site 99 (9.3%) and myalgia 97(9.1%). 96.4% of these AEFIs occurred within 48 hours post-vaccination. Higher severity of adverse events score (p=0.049) and multiple AEFIs (p=0.01) was associated with the first dose of the vaccine. There were severe AEFI in 1.2 % (95% CI: 0.3-.9.0%) of the respondents. Presumed or confirmed COVID-19 infection before vaccination increased the odds of AEFI (OR 7.0, 95% CI: 1.8-27.8).

Conclusion: Our study showed a high frequency of AEFI among recipients of the Astra Zeneca/Oxford vaccine in Ibadan. The majority of the AEFIs are mild and self-limiting. Previous infection with COVID-19 appears to increase the risk of AEFI.