Side Effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine among Libyan Young Adults: Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: Since the mRNA technology used to manufacture Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is new, it is still difficult to predict its consequences. However, many young people, especially in developing countries, think that they are less susceptible to severe infection with the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Therefore, they do not prefer to take the COVID-19 vaccines. Accordingly, studies in this aspect are necessary to increase people's awareness of the acceptance of vaccination, especially for the youth. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on healthy young adults of both sexes. Participants (n = 81) were received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. A paper questionnaire was prepared, the survey asks about the side effects related to receiving the Vaccine. All participants completed the questionnaire twice, once after the first dose and again after the second dose. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The most common side effects were Muscle pain, Tiredness, Headache, and Fever. Less common side effects were Chills, Fainted, Breathlessness, and Coughing. Rare side effects include nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea, Anaphylactic Reaction, and Swollen Lymph Nodes. Side effects that are strongly associated with females are Headache, and Joint pain, for males, Anaphylactic reaction. The study revealed a significant difference between the number of females (96.5%) and males (85%) who suffered from the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Most of the side effects reported in our study were consistent with Pfizer's fact sheet for recipients and caregivers. Through our follow-up to the participants in the study, we noticed that the reported side effects were not too bad, and they were able to carry out their daily activities, so we recommend taking the vaccine, especially for young people.