J Med Virol. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27708. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vaccines against COVID-19 provide immunity to deter severe morbidities associated with the infection. However, it does not prevent infection altogether in all exposed individuals. Further, emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 impose a threat concerning the competency of the vaccines in combating the infection. This study aims to determine the variability in adverse events and the extent of breakthrough infections in the Indian population.
METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire encompassing social, demographic, general health, the status of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, associated adverse events, and breakthrough infections in the Indian population. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. Participants who provided the complete information, were Indian citizens, above 18 years, and if vaccinated, administered with either Covishield or Covaxin were, considered for the study. Data has been compiled in Microsoft Excel and analysed for statistical differences using STATA 11.
RESULTS: The responses from 2051 individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analysed. Among 2051, 1119 respondents were vaccinated, and 932 respondents were non-vaccinated. Among 1119 vaccinated respondents, 7 were excluded because of missing data. Therefore, out of 1112 vaccinated, 413 experienced adverse events with a major fraction of younger individuals, age 18-40 years, getting affected (74.82%; 309/413). Furthermore, considerably more females than males encountered adverse consequences to vaccination (P value <0.05). Among vaccinated participants, breakthrough infections were observed in 7.91% (88/1112; 57.96% males and 42.04% females) with the older age group, 61 years and above (odd ratio, 3.25 {1.32-8.03}; P value =0.011), and males were found to be at higher risk.
CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to find out the age and sex-related factors in determining vaccine effectiveness and adverse events. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:35261064 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.27708
