Safety of an Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in Turkey: An Online Survey

Background: As vaccination against coronavirus disase-19 (COVID-19) evolves, hesitancy has become a problematic issue that has gradually spread worldwide. The main reason for vaccine hesitancy is uncertainties about vaccine side effects.
Aims: To evaluate the safety of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, and determine the risk factors of emergence of side effects.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Methods: An online questionnaire was administered via the internet to healthcare workers who received one or two doses of CoronaVac. The online survey consisted of three sections detailing sociodemographic data, COVID-19 history, and post-vaccine side effects. Side effects that occurred in the period starting from immediately after the first vaccination to the end of the 14 ^th day after the second vaccination were recorded.
Results: A total of 1628 healthcare workers responded to the online survey. Of these, 24.3% had a side effect either after the first or second dose of CoronaVac. Redness and/or pain at the inoculation site, headache, muscle and joint pains, palpitations, and dizziness were the most common side effects. Female sex, age <50 years, and thyroid disorder in the pre-vaccine period were found to be risk factors for the emergence of side effects. Blood pressure control could not be achieved in 2.2% of participants despite medication use, and permanent medication was needed in 2.5% of participants for blood pressure control.
Conclusion: Almost a quarter of healthcare workers have at least one side effect after the first or second dose of CoronaVac. Female gender, age <50 years, and thyroid disorder appear to be risk factors for the occurrence of side effects.