European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: SARS CoV-2 infection has become a major public health concern. India started Covid-19 vaccination from January 16, 2021, after the approval of two candidate vaccines namely COVISHIELD ™ and COVAXIN ™. The present study was conducted to see the neutralizing antibody response to trimeric S protein of SARS CoV-2 in health care workers (HCWs) with 2 doses of COVISHIELD vaccination in a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 156 healthy adult health care workers in a tertiary care centre, vaccinated during January-March 2021. They were divided into two groups, the first group comprised of individuals who were previously RT-PCR positive (n=36) for SARS CoV-2, and second group comprised of those who were RT-PCR negative (n=120). Blood samples were collected from all participants, the first sample on the day of vaccination, second sample after 4 weeks of vaccination, and third after 8 weeks of vaccination to measure the IgG antibodies against the SARS CoV-2 ‘S’ protein using a chemiluminescent quantitative immunoassay.
Results: The spike protein-specific IgG antibody titre was demonstrated reactive cut-off in 98.3% of the participants after 2 doses of vaccine. The median antibody titre declined from 710.5 (IQR, 338.5-1577.5) to 266 (IQR, 116-557.75) in RT-PCR positive HCWs after 8 weeks of vaccination whereas it increased from 45.1 (IQR, 31.475-76.575) to 83.4 (IQR, 52.075-104) in RT-PCR negative HCWs.
Conclusion: We could demonstrate the development of an adequate spike protein-specific IgG titre against SARS CoV-2 following vaccination with 2 doses of COVISHIELD in HCWs.

While countries including India, have taken strong measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 through better diagnostics and treatment, vaccines will provide a lasting solution by enhancing immunity and containing the disease spread. Understanding the adverse effects pattern will help make aware citizens, dismiss false rumours and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Hence the present study describes the pattern of adverse effects reported following COVID-19 vaccination among beneficiaries in Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of pattern of adverse effects reported following COVID-19 vaccination was conducted among 540 beneficiaries in Government Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India from January 2021 to April 2021. Data was collected through online survey which included questions pertaining to immediate & late post vaccination experience. Results: Majority (33%) participants were 18-30 age group and (58%) were male. Overall (73%) respondents reported atleast one post-vaccination symptom. General weakness & tiredness (73.4%), pain at injection site (62%), bodyache (48%), chills (43%) & fever (39%) were the most prevalent symptoms. The frequency of symptoms among 18-30 age group was (85.9%) & more likely to be reported by women (83.2%) compared to men (65.1%). Around (36.9%) beneficiaries who had one or more comorbidities showed post vaccination symptoms. Around (82.1%) of Covishield beneficiaries developed atleast one or more symptoms post vaccination, while (60.3%) of Covaxin beneficiaries developed the same. Conclusion: Nearly two-thirds of study participants reported mild symptoms following vaccination. General weakness & tiredness, pain at injection site, bodyache, chills & fever were the most prevalent symptoms. Symptoms were more common among younger individuals. More Covishield beneficiaries developed atleast one or more symptoms post vaccination compared to Covaxin beneficiaries