Exploring the Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The public controversy regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines is still a concern to this day, so our study aimed to investigate the possible side effect of COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia and to potentially explore an association between different vaccine types and experienced side effects. The data was gathered using an online-based google form distributed via social media. 461 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The focus was exploring the side effects experienced after receiving first, second, or booster doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Moderna vaccines. Pain at injection site was the most commonly experienced side effect after receiving Pfizer as a first, second, or booster dose, whereas myocarditis and thromboembolism and pericarditis were rarely associated with Pfizer. Pain at injection site was the most common side effect with AstraZeneca as a first and second dose and myocarditis and thromboembolism have been rarely reported with AstraZeneca. Regarding Moderna as a booster dose, respondents most frequently reported pain at the injection site, and myocarditis and pericarditis were rarely reported. Overall, most of the reported side effects of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were minor, and life-threatening side effects were extremely rare.