Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) After First Dose Of Covid-19 Vaccination

Abstract

Introduction:

In the fight against the COVID 19 pandemic, vaccination is quickly becoming the most effective way to limit the disease's spread and severity. However, due to the possibility of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), there is growing fear and ambivalence about immunization. The severity of the adverse events can range from mild to severe, and they can appear in a variety of ways.

Case:

From March 8th to March 12th, 2021, the first dose of vaccine was provided to all eligible employees of Selayang Hospital. During this period, the Emergency Response Team (ERT), which consisted of emergency physicians and medical officers stationed at the vaccination centre, recorded 53 cases of AEFI.

AEFI were classified as follows:

Mild: Treatment not required and discharged on-site

Moderate: Treatment is required in the Emergency department

Severe: Treatment involving the airway and hemodynamic support

Results:

Data were collected for five days duration and interpreted as such based on AEFI case severity:

Total number of Vaccination: 3007

Total number of cases attended by ERT: 53

Mild: 81.13%

Moderate: 18.85%

Severe : 0 %

Discussion:

Any adverse medical event that occurs after immunization, with or without a causal relationship to vaccine usage, is referred to as an AEFI. In this case report, the signs and symptoms of AEFI were mild, ranging from nausea, vomiting, giddiness, headache, palpitation, tingling feelings, and lightheadedness. The descriptions for the cases reported were based on the investigating center's limited resources and capabilities. Patients with AEFI who present to different healthcare facilities or beyond the immunization period may not be included in this data collection.

Conclusion:

Only a few occurrences of AEFI were reported among the staff who received the first dose of vaccination in this data, and the majority of these cases were mild. The key to managing and preventing symptoms worsening is early recognition of these events. Vaccination is a relatively safe method of combating COVID 19, and it should be advocated.