Assessment of the pain induced by vaccination according to the injected arm (COVID-19 vaccination)

Abstract

Since its discovery, the concept of vaccination has continued to improve in order to offer better efficacy and tolerance. Local or even diffuse reactions are often reported, but no study reports results on the injection side. We carried out a prospective observational study on the COVID-19 vaccination centers of the Landes regional hospital consortium (GHT) over three weeks. A questionnaire was given after the second injection, and assessed patients’ feelings about the first injection. During this period, 2797 patients received their second injection and 2487 responded to the questionnaire, of which 2301 are usable. 81% of vaccinations were performed on the weak arm and 19% on the dominant arm. Local pain/discomfort was reported by 47% of patients on both arms, occurring the same day as the vaccination took place for half of the patients and the next day for the other half, with an average intensity of 3.3. Extensive pain/discomfort was present in 19% of patients, regardless of which arm was injected. The choice of the injected arm does not seem to have influence on pain.