1940. COVID-19 Vaccines and Related Adverse Effects among Health Sciences and Non-Health Sciences Students from Two Large Public Universities in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Background Existing data on vaccine regimens received by university students and related adverse effects are limited. Methods An online survey study was conducted among students from 12 Health Sciences faculties (HS), including Faculty of Medicine and from 16 non-Health Sciences faculties (NHS) of two large urban Thai universities from October 2021 to January 2022. Types, doses and adverse effects (AEs) of COVID-19 vaccines received by HS and NHS were assessed. Results There were 1,439 participating students who had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Of these 1,439 students, 522 (36%) were HS (208 were medical students), 393 (27%) were from faculties of Sciences, and 524 (37%) were from faculties of Social Sciences. The types of the first dose vaccine received were inactivated (49%), viral vector (46%) and mRNA (5%), while the types of the second dose vaccine received were viral vector (53%), inactivated (40%) and mRNA (7%). For the first dose vaccines, the most common AE of inactivated, viral vector and mRNA vaccines were muscle pain (47%, 82%, 58%, respectively). For the second dose vaccines, the most common AE were cough (47%) for inactivated vaccines and muscle pain (49% for viral vector and 56% for mRNA vaccines). Viral vector vaccines were more likely to cause fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, headache and rashes while inactivated vaccines were more likely to cause cough. The mRNA vaccines caused injection site pain more than inactivated vaccines. Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the type and onset of AEs by types of the vaccines. Overall, the majority of AEs occurred at 24-48 hours after vaccination (57-68%), were more severe with the first dose compared to the second dose (59%) and resolved spontaneously or with symptomatic treatment without the need for hospitalization (98%). The AEs experienced by HS and NHS were different according to the types of vaccine they received. Table 1Adverse effects of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, stratified by type, of those who had received two doses of the vaccinesTable 2Adverse effects of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, stratified by type, of those who had received two doses of the vaccines. Conclusion The AEs experienced by the students were different according to the type and number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The AEs were mostly non-severe and occurred less for the second dose compared to the first dose. The study findings could serve as information provided to university students for decision making regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.