Exploring Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination and Community Anxiety in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reaction and community anxiety levels related to the COVID-19 vaccine. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective correlational study was conducted. The study sample comprised 344 individuals who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and resided in the Syiah Kuala sub-district of Banda Aceh. Data collection was facilitated through the administration of "Post-Immunization Adverse Events" and "Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)" questionnaires were utilized. Spearman's rank test analyzed the data. RESULTS: The findings of this study demonstrated a significant relationship between AEFI the COVID-19 vaccine dose 1 (p = 0.025), dose 2 (p = 0.000), AEFI local reactions dose 1 (p = 0.004), and dose 2 (p = 0.016), AEFI systemic reaction dose 1 (p = 0.000), and dose 2 (p = 0.002), with the community' anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: AEFI refers to medical events related to the vaccination effect consisting of local and systemic reactions. AEFI reactions may potentially elevate the community's anxiety. The study noted an increase in severe symptoms in AEFI local reactions and a decrease in AEFI systemic reaction during the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, possibly attributed to variations in antibody titers of the community. It is recommended that patients pay attention to AEFI reactions and seek immediate support from the hospital if excessive local and systemic reactions appear, for healthcare workers could provide educational programs to the community regarding the risks of AEFI local and systemic reactions and efforts to look for treatment.

Keywords

• adverse event
• immunization
• vaccine
• covid-19
• anxiety