Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects, associated factors and their management strategies among health workers in Mulago Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND Studies are ongoing to determine the reluctance to be vaccinated for COVID19. Several studies have been conducted since the start of the pandemic that have measured public perceptions of vaccine issues. A recent study by the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa found that of the respondents who did not want to be vaccinated, 25% were concerned about vaccine adverse effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Covid-19 vaccine adverse effects, to determine factors associated the vaccine adverse effects and find out the management strategies of the adverse effects among health workers at Mulago hospital, Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was used, conducted at the Mulago hospital. Snowballing sampling was used to recruit health workers in the hospital that had taken the Covid-19 vaccine because participants were selected based on availability and willingness to take part. Questionnaires were used to assess medical anamneses, COVID-19 related anamneses, and general oral and skin-related side-effects. RESULTS OF THE STUDY The findings will have participants contribute to pharmacovigilance and be used to recommend and reassure the safeness of COVID-19 vaccine with minimal adverse effects and how the manifested effects were managed so as to increase the numbers to uptake the vaccine. People with knowledge of the adverse effects and their management usually take up the service with an informed consent and can tell others about it. CONCLUSIONS