European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Corona virus Disease is a fatal viral disease that continues to trouble
many countries around the world. Immunization is one of the most effective and costefficient
initiatives ever, saving millions of lives every year. COVID-19 vaccines are
considered to be of great importance in preventing and controlling the disease. This study
aimed to estimate AEFI, COVID-19 vaccine awareness, preference among people visiting
vaccination centre, SIMS, Shimoga. OBJECTIVE: 1. To estimate AEFI among people
visiting vaccination centre, SIMS, Shimoga. 2. To estimate COVID-19 vaccine awareness
and preference among people visiting vaccination centre, SIMS, Shimoga. MATERIALS
AND METHODS : A prospective longitudinal study was conducted for a period of one
month – July 2021. People visiting COVID vaccination centre, SIMS, Shimoga were
included in the study. Considering AEFI to be 30% after pilot study, sample size calculated
was 336. Data was collected from 373 participants. Ethical clearance was obtained by
Institutional Ethics Committee. Oral consent was taken from each participant. Each
participant is interviewed telephonically, and the relevant information was collected. The
collected data was tabulated in Microsoft excel sheet. Analysis is done by using epiInfo
software. Descriptive statistics like percentages, mean were used, and the results were
tabulated. RESULTS: Incidence of AEFI reported from our study population was 36%.
Majority of it was after first dose of vaccination (47%), and the most common complaint was
pain (64%) at the site of injection. Covishield was the most preferred vaccine as the
availability was good. Awareness regarding vaccine was mostly from the discussion among
friends, family members (25%) and from the health care provider (22%).