Common Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines Used in Iran: A Review

Abstract

Context: Iran was one of the first countries in the world to encounter acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in February 2020. Numerous efforts have been made worldwide to develop safe and effective vaccines to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Finally, several vaccines with different platforms have been licensed for use in various countries. The injection of these vaccines can lead to a range of unwanted side effects (mild to severe). Objectives: This study tried to collect the common adverse effects of the most frequently used COVID-19 vaccines in Iran and provide readers with relevant information and statistics. Methods: This review study collected papers by searching in foreign journals using databases, such as PubMed, PubMed Central, MEDLINE, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Embase, with the keywords of side effects, COVID-19, vaccine, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Sinopharm, which were published within 2000 - 2021. Results: According to available information and studies, vaccines, unlike COVID-19, do not have any threatening and high-risk side effects, and their benefits outweigh their insignificant side effects. A total of 48 full-text studies and 10 valid websites with high citations and up-to-date information were selected. Among the relevant references, 26, 16, and 16 studies performed on AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Sinopharm vaccines were chosen for review, respectively. Conclusions: The findings of this study can reassure readers and be effective in combating misconceptions about vaccination. Undoubtedly, the main solution to overcome the economic damage and social health burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is to accelerate global vaccination.