Adverse events reported after first dose of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Aim The study examined the associated adverse events following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination among healthcare workers during the first dose of the vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana. Design The study was a cross‐sectional survey involving 463 healthcare workers. Method The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed descriptively, and binary logistics was performed using SPSS version 25. Results The mean age was 33.4 ± 9.7 years, the majority (43.6%) being ≤30 years and males (57.2%). The self‐reported prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine adverse events was 75.5%. Common systemic adverse events comprised headache (47.5%), dizziness (18.4%) and local adverse events included generalized body pains (44.0%) and abscess around the injection sites (11.2%). The study found a high prevalence of self‐reported SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine adverse events involving both systemic and local adverse events. Our study gives useful information that can be used for public health‐targeted interventions to boost public confidence in SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines.

Keywords

• adverse events
• first dose
• healthcare workers
• SARS‐CoV‐2
• vaccine