Events supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization against COVID-19, in medical staff of a basic hospital.

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination was proposed worldwide as a strategy to reduce transmission, complications and death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection; Ecuador, like many countries, began with immunization, prioritizing strategic population groups. Objective: Report post-vaccination symptoms, cataloged as events supposedly attributable to immunization against COVID-19. Materials and methods: Analytical observational study, carried out in medical personnel immunized with two doses of BNT162b2 PFIZER in COVID-19, at the Base Hospital of the Club de Leones Quito Central, between March and May 2021. An online survey was carried out on the symptoms. post vaccination. Results: Of 118 immunized doctors, 71.8% were men, with an average age of 67.2 years. 93.2% were > 60 years old. 58.5% had comorbidities. 44.1% of women presented reactions after the first dose; 70.2% of men and 73.5% of women with the second dose. Age was the only factor associated with local effects with the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discussion: The adverse reactions identified after vaccination of the first and second doses are similar to previous studies, however, the signs and symptoms after vaccination of the second dose were more frequent, in turn, the symptoms decreased with age. Conclusion: The post-vaccination symptoms, cataloged as events supposedly attributable to immunization against COVID-19, were pain, edema, erythema, headache, fatigue and myalgia among the most predominant.