Short and long-term side effects of eligible COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia, Southern Region, 2023

<h2>Abstract</h2> The mainstay of COVID-19 prevention is vaccination. Nonetheless, ongoing monitoring of the short- or long-term side effects of different vaccination types is required. According to post-marketing research the types and rates of adverse events reported by vaccine recipients have varied much. Hence, adverse effects should be appropriately monitored as vaccines become more widely available worldwide. <h3>Objectives</h3> a study was designed to assess the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines either on a short (up to 3 days) or long-term (up to 2 months) scale. <h3>Methods</h3> A hospital-based cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted to determine the prevalence and to compare side effects among the vaccinated population. Data were collected during three months at outpatient clinics in Southern Region, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was used to cover the participants' demographic data, medical anamneses, COVID-19-related anamneses, and possible side effects. <h3>Results</h3> The most common side effects were 79.9 % myalgia, 78.1 % fever, 57.3 % bone pain, 56 % fatigue, 54.9 % joint pain, 48.7 % injection site pain, 40.1 % arm numbness, 37.8 % headache, 36.2 % low back pain, 18 % common cold, 14.3/5 cough, dizziness, 14.1 % shortness of breath, 11.2 % sneezing and 10.7 % sore throat. <h3>Conclusions</h3> A statistically significant difference is detected between different types of vaccine as regards most side effects., Overweight and obese, subjects with education higher than secondary, presence of comorbidities, previous COVID-19 infection, and Pfizer vaccination recipients were the predictors of developing post-vaccination side effects. Common symptoms that are also associated with other vaccines.