Side-Effects of Oxford-Astra Zeneca (Covishield) Vaccine Reported by Medical Doctors in Bangladesh

Author(s): Zahin Arefin, A.H.M Golam Kibria, Md. Tareq Khan Tipu, Sayeef Khan Mark, Md. Nahiduzzamane Shazzad, Md. Muhibbur Rahman, Mohammad Sujan Sharif, A.S.M Talibul Islam, Nazirum Mubin, Munadi Al Islam, Fabliha Fyrose Ahmed, Syeda Nafisa Ahsan

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine self-reported side effects (local and systemic) after 1st dose of ChAdOx1-S recombinant COVID-19 (Covishield) vaccine among medical doctors in Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted among medical doctors who received 1st dose of ChAdOx1-S recombinant COVID-19 vaccine and willingly volunteered to take part were included in the study using non probability sampling. Responses were received using semi structured questionnaire through Google form link. Logistic regression analysis was done to investigate the association between different parameters in the development of side effects of the vaccine.

Result: During March-April 2021, 1265 Bangladeshi doctors who have received one dose of the vaccine participated in the survey. More than 95% (1203) of participants experienced some side effects after vaccination. Over 80% (1077) of participants experienced pain and 12.8% reported swelling at injection site. Above half of the participants experienced malaise, fever, and headache. However, most of the symptoms were mild to moderate in intensity. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of developing side effects after vaccination was associated with respondents increasing age (OR: 1.1; CI: 1.0-1.1; p = 0.001) and gender (OR for female: 2.2; CI: 1.2-4.0; p = 0.013).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine was well tolerated by Bangladeshi doctors, which may encourage doctors to promote the vaccine to their patients and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population.