Assessment of Safety and Acceptance toward Covid-19 Vaccines: A cross-sectional Study in Egypt

Aim and background

Coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) is a highly spreadable respiratory system disease. Vaccination is a preventive approach to combat the pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate vaccination pattern in Egypt compared to the world, evaluate the short-term side effects of different vaccines and to assess people’s knowledge, satisfaction, and tolerability of the vaccines.

Methods

A cross-sectional, web-based online survey conducted using a Google Form-questionnaire to gather information from the general public regarding their knowledge, satisfaction, and tolerability to COVID-19 vaccine. Demographic data, previous infection with Covid-19, risk factors, type of vaccine received and side effects were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 508 responses were included in the final analysis. Results showed that most of the participants were females (67.5%), between 20 and 40 years of age (68.3%), and from the medical field (51.1%). The main reported risk factors associated with Covid-19 infection were chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (26.2%), followed by work environment (25%), respiratory conditions (18.2%), and advanced age (16.8%). 57.3% of the respondents received adequate information about the vaccine, 43.3% trusted the information provided while 24.2% required more information. Among all respondents, 78.5% received Covid-19 vaccine were SinoPharm BBIBP was the most administered vaccine (30.4%). Reported adverse effects were injection site pain (18.3%), headache (17.9%), fever (16.8%), fatigue (20.9%), muscle aches (15.1%), nausea (10.8%) and menstrual irregularities (0.2%). Seriousness of Covid-19 infection was the main reason for accepting Covid-19 vaccination (69.7%), followed by believing in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (36%), while travel was reported with a percentage of 22.2%.

Conclusion

The study showed that the participants generally had a good perception and acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination. The main adverse events reported were fever, fatigue and headache. Age is an independent profound variable influencing tolerability of Covid-19 vaccine.

Impact of findings on practice statements

• Good perception and acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination, depend on the factual information from trusted sources, mainly the ministry of health.

• Age significantly influenced tolerability of Covid-19 vaccine among participants.

• Demographic factors impact how people view and perceive Covid-19 vaccinations.