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COVID-19 vaccines side effects among the general population during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Samana Zaidi, H. Qayyum, Izzah Abdul Qayyum, Zakir Khan, Taskeen Islam, Naveed Ahmed, K. L. Hopkins, Theresa Sommers et al.

Frontiers in Public Health, 2025

2,618 participants · 7 citations

Abstract

Background and aims The general population have depicted concern about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and its long-term effects on human health. Pakistan being on the verge of the pandemic is in more demand for vaccination and immunization. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccines side effects among the general population. Methods A cross-sectional face-to-face study was carried out among individuals who received either the first dosage or both doses of vaccination in twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) of Pakistan. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included three sections (socio-demographic, medical history, vaccine, and immunization) with 20 questions. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS (version 25) using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the odd ratio. Results A total of 2,618 participants were included and of them, females (55.3%; n = 1,449) were more than males. The majority of the participants reported the use of precautionary medicines including vitamin C (1,319; 50.4%) followed by paracetamol (n = 1,249; 47.7%) and mineral supplements (n = 616; 23.5%) for COVID-19. In this study, 3.8% (n = 99) were unvaccinated and the first and second doses of the vaccine was received by 2,519 and 2,239 of the participants, respectively. Different types of side effects were highlighted in the current study. The most frequently reported side effects after the first dose of COVID-19 were…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 2,618 participants or records.

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