Prevalence, severity and duration of post-vaccination symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination in a working-aged population in Galle district, Sri Lanka

Vaccination programs were conducted to prevent spreading of fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the fifth documented pandemic affecting the entire world. A reluctance for vaccines had been developed due to various reasons including fear for post vaccination symptoms (PVSs). The present study investigated the prevalence, severity, and duration of PVSs after COVID-19 vaccination in the working-age population in Galle district, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 418 participants using a self-administered questionnaire after obtaining informed written consent. About 69.6% of the study participants were females and aged 30-39 years. The Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV was the predominant (91.4%) administered vaccine. Only 8.1% and 24.9% refused the subsequent second and third doses, respectively. After receiving any dose of vaccine, 57.9% of participants had experienced at least one PVS, with the highest prevalence (59.1%) occurring after the third dose of vaccination. Fever, headache, pain at the injection site, and muscle / joint pain with highest prevalence as 83.3%, 66.7%, 66.7% and 50.0% respectively, were the common PVSs encountered in the study sample. Most of the PVSs were lasted for 24 hrs or less and categorized under mild or moderate conditions. Differences in PVS prevalence were observed among different types of vaccines and doses. Women aged 30-39 years, unmarried individuals, participants with low incomes, and healthcare workers reported higher odds ratios of PVSs. Participants with prior COVID-19 infection were 1.5 times more likely to experience PVSs. This study highlights the necessity of addressing PVSs to improve vaccination acceptance and public knowledge. This study supports for international efforts of comprehending issues related to vaccines and improve vaccination campaigns.