Undesirable effects of COVID-19 vaccination on Saudi population: A descriptive study, Winter 2022.

Objective: The development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines was a crucial preventative measure toward controlling the pandemic. Several side effects have been reported. This study investigated the long-term side effects reported by the Saudi population. post-COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: The cross-sectional study involved Saudi participants of both genders, aged ≥16 years, and had received at least one dose of any of the available vaccines in Saudi Arabia. They were asked to fill out an online questionnaire divided into three sections: Demographics, medical history, and side effects that appeared post-COVID-19 vaccines.

Results: The findings indicated that the undesirable effects were reported by 82% of the participants. These side effects involve three categories: The most common, additional or reported, and persistent side effects. The most common side effects were pain at the site of injection (88.16%), bone pain/joint pain (68.7%), and fatigue (68.46%). Menstrual disorders (n = 46), hair loss (n = 34), and memory problems (n = 19) were reported by participants as additional side effects. Among all side effects, fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and menstrual disorders were the most persistent side effects. Moreover, 190 participants reported that they were diagnosed with diseases soon after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine including COVID-19, thyroid gland disorder, and irritable bowel disease. The quality of life of some of the participants was affected by post-COVID-19 vaccines, as 25.28% had anxiety, 21.22% had depression, and 33.16% had discomfort.

Conclusion: These findings may contribute to understanding the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on the Saudi population's health and public opinion about these vaccines.