Factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread rapidly causing approximately 186 million confirmed cases around the world, the urgency to reach herd immunity through vaccination is increasing. However, vaccine safety is a top priority to limit the occurrence of adverse events. Henceforth, this study aims to recognize and perceive COVID-19 vaccine safety in Indonesia during the pandemic. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study and was conducted in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic using an online survey of demographic information and a qualitative questionnaire. Responses were recorded and the association between demographic characteristics from survey questions was tested using chi-square with a risk estimate and 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 311 participants from 33 out of 34 provinces in Indonesia participated in this study. Recorded responses showed multiple side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine both short- and long-term experienced by the participants. Significant associations were found between demographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine side effects such as female gender with short-term puncture site (odds ratio [OR], 0.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.263–0.816) and short-term other reactions (OR, 0.463; 95% CI, 0.263–0.816), domicile outside Java island with long-term puncture site (OR, 4.219; 95% CI, 1.401–12.701) and immune reactions (OR, 3.375; 95% CI, 1.356–8.398), also between married marital status and long-term vagal reaction (OR, 4.655; 95% CI, 1.321–16.409). Conclusion Gender, domicile and marital status factors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine side effects in Indonesian people.

Overview of COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events Following Immunization in Bali

“…participants from 33 provinces in Indonesia also obtained results that women experience more short-term adverse events. [18] This may be related to hormonal and psychological factors. Women have more estrogen hormone, especially estradiol, which can induce the immune system thereby increasing immune response and antibody formation.…”

Side effects of CoronaVac® COVID-19 vaccination: Investigation in North Jakarta district public health center communities in Indonesia

“…The most common but least worrying side effect is pain at the injection site [ 13 ]. Following COVID-19 vaccination, some individuals may experience redness and minor swelling at the injection site as well as fever [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Factors associated with intention to take COVID-19 vaccine among the university students in Bangladesh

“…Individuals may be fearful towards vaccine due to the misunderstanding that vaccine will pose a risk of being infected or may perceive vaccine is not necessary [ 22 ]. Therefore, people tend to get more information on COVID-19 vaccine safety [ 23 ], which, in turn, affects people’s trust in vaccine safety [ 1 ]. Research showed that individuals who perceive higher COVID-19 risk, they intend to follow preventive measures, such as maintain social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing facemask [ 15 20 21 24 ].…”