INVESTIGATION OF THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PANDEMIC VACCINES ON PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AFTER THE PANDEMIC

Introduction:The present study compared the post-pandemic effects of different vaccines and vaccine combinations administered during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in individuals defined as “young-elderly.” Materials and Method: Participants included 440 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria. They were divided into four groups based on the type of vaccine they had received. During data collection, participants completed a Personal Information Form, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the 36- item Short Form Health Survey, and the Alusti Test. The study was conducted between December 15, 2024, and May 29, 2025.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Results: The analyses revealed a statistically significant difference between groups in both the Alusti test (assesses physical performance) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (assesses quality of life) (p<0.05).This difference was particularly pronounced in the group that received the combination of BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines;it hadlower scores on physical performance and quality of life compared to the other groups. Cognitive performance did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion:Therefore,the coronavirus disease vaccines may have varying long-term effects on the individual’s overall health status and quality of life. Keywords: COVID-19; Physical Functional Performance; Cognition; Quality of Life; Vaccines.