Background Efficacy and safety are fundamental for the development of successful COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine-associated side effects influence vaccine hesitancy. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, and onset of side effects following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines among physicians and dentists working in various healthcare settings across India. Methods A cross-sectional survey collected self-report data from April to June 2021 on side effects following the first dose of the vaccine. An online validated questionnaire using the Google Docs ® platform was circulated via email and social media platforms. Results More than 40% of participants experienced at least one side effect after the first dose of vaccination; the most common were mild and resolved within three days after vaccination. More than 91% of respondents received the Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine; the most prevalent adverse effects were soreness of the injected arm (78.9%), tiredness (71.1%), and fever (54.9%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 60% less likely to report side effects. Conclusion Findings supported the safety of the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine based on relatively few self-limiting side effects, mainly soreness of the injected arm and tiredness. Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety of COVID-19 vaccines, especially after booster doses.

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Introduction:The risk of developing lower extremity arterial diseases (LEAD) increases by 2-4 folds in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic individuals with LEAD are more likely than non-diabetic individuals to have limb amputations, and they have a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems. The present study sought to assess the efficacy of two pulse oximeters, a high-quality standard digital pulse oximeter and an inexpensive pocket pulse oximeter, to detect LEAD in patients with diabetes mellitus.Material and methods: Qualifying patients were examined with a pocket pulse oximeter and digital pulse oximeter for measuring SpO2 of their index fingers, big toes in the supine position, and at 12-inch elevation. All patients underwent Doppler waveform analysis examination of their lower extremity arteries by an investigator, who was unaware of the pulse oximetry results. Doppler waveform analysis is used as the standard. Sensitivity, specificity, the positive and negative predictive values were compared.Results: Twenty nine of 100 legs examined had a significant LEAD, i.e., monophasic waveform by Doppler waveform analysis.