Potential side effects after first and second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the United Arabia Emirates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: mRNA technology has been used to manufacture the Pfizer vaccine; however, the side effects of Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among the general population remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential side effects of vaccination and the associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted from April 2021 to September 2021 using an online questionnaire to collect data on the side effects after the first and second doses of the vaccine. Participants were classified into the two following groups: Those aged ≤39 and >39 years. Results: The most common side effects following the first dose (≤39 years vs. >39 years) were pain at the vaccination site, fatigue, severe pain at the vaccination site, and fever. Meanwhile, pain at the vaccination site, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and lethargy were the most common side effects following the second dose of vaccination in both groups. Side effects were more common in women at both doses. The most common reactions at first dose were fatigue, fever, tenderness, lethargy, and muscle pain, whereas fever, fatigue, headache, severe injection site pain, muscle pain, and lethargy were common after the second dose. None of the participants required intensive hospitalization; 4.2% of the participants in both age groups visited the clinics for minor management. Conclusion: Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a higher prevalence of local side effects in both sexes and age groups. The sex- and age-based differences warrant further rigorous investigation and standardized methodologies.