COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents: A cross-sectional study in rural India

Abstract

Background: In December 2019 when the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak appeared it was thought to affect mainly adult population while majority of children were not affected and showed only mild symptoms unlike adults. During this period in the emergency common strategy that was followed was shutting down schools in most countries to control rapid raise of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Extended vaccination for children in the age group of 15–18 years was started in India since January 3, 22 with COVAXIN vaccine. This study was intended to gain knowledge about vaccination pattern and status of adverse event following immunisation among children. Aims and Objectives: To assess pattern of coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccination among school going adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of a medical college in South India. It was conducted over a period of 2 months at schools in rural field practice area of medical college. Data was collected from the study participants (15–18 years) pertaining to demographic details, information related to COVID appropriate behavior, vaccination and AEFIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.00. Results: Total number of participants enrolled in the study were 126. A total of 124 out of 126 were vaccinated with at least a dose of COVAXIN. Overall 94 (75.8%) and 18 (36.7%) of the participants suffered from AEFI following 1st and 2nd dose respectively. AEFIs in were found to be mild and non-serious. Out of 126 participants, three diagnosed with COVID-19 infection post vaccination. None among three required hospitalization. Majority of them followed wearing mask, handwashing and use of hand sanitizer as COVID appropriate behavior. Conclusion: Based on our sample included in our study, it reflects that vaccination coverage and acceptance was better among adolescents. Among adolescents who received COVID-19 vaccination most of them experienced mild AEFI just like adults.