Uptake and Side effects Profile of COVID-19 Vaccine amongst Medical Doctors at a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Published: 2022-06-17
Page: 212-220
Issue: 2022 - Volume 5 [Issue 2]
Ozori Ebiogbo S. *
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Kuete Ebieritei S.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Atemie Gordons
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Osegi Nkencho
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Makinde Olakunle I.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Unachukwu Chidozie
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Niger-Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. Nigeria.
Adhuze Judith
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Niger-Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The war against COVID-19 pandemic is currently being fought using the COVID-19 vaccine. To break the chain of transmission of the infection and establish herd immunity, the COVID-19 vaccine is that veritable tool to be used but its uptake is hindered by the fear of its side effects. As with all medications, COVID-19 vaccine has side effects that requires discovery as the disease and its vaccine are novel.
Aim: To determine the uptake of, the incidence, pattern of side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine amongst medical doctors at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa state, Nigeria as well as the association between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and chronic medical illnesses.
Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out among medical doctors at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa state, Nigeria, from 15thJune to 30th July, 2021.
Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from 102 participants recruited by consecutive sampling. Data obtained were the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, the presence of co-morbidities and the presence of side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine for those vaccinated.
Result: Out of 102 medical doctors who participated in the survey, only 30 (29.4%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine and 26 of them (86.7%) reported different forms of side effects such as pain at the injection site, fever, muscle pain and joint pain. Pain at the injection site was the commonest vaccine-associated side effect (76.7%). The first day after COVID-19 vaccination was the commonest time of onset of the reported side effects. There was no statistically significant relationship between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and presence of chronic medical conditions in the participants.
Conclusion: Uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among medical doctors was low and is worrisome. Incidence of COVID-19 vaccine side effects was high; however, the symptoms were mild to moderate. In the face of this challenging pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination still remains a safe means of ensuring protection against the disease.
Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, side effects, medical doctors, gender, co-morbidities