Research Article

Comparison of Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Elderly: Pfizer/BioNTech Versus CoronaVac

Volume: 14 Number: 3 July 10, 2023
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Comparison of Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Elderly: Pfizer/BioNTech Versus CoronaVac

Abstract

PURPOSE: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has triggered the Covid-19 pandemic with enormous public health and economic consequences. The safety and efficacy of currently available Covid-19 vaccines have been demonstrated in few studies; however, further information on specific high-risk groups like the elderly with co-morbidities is needed. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare the adverse side effects of two different Covid-19 vaccines (RNA-based Pfizer/BioNTech and inactivated CoronaVac) among the elderly with co-morbidities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected a total of 800 participants 65 years or older who received either one of the vaccines. We collected data on the possible side effects that have been previously attributed to coronavirus vaccination via quantitative telephone interviews. RESULTS: We found that both CoronaVac and Pfizer/BioNTech were safe in adults over 65 years old, even with co-morbidities. The most common side effects were pain on the injection site and fatigue. Adverse effects, particularly allergic reactions, were higher in Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinated group compared to the CoronaVac group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, even with co-morbidities, both vaccines were well-tolerated among the elderly. As this specific group was largely excluded from the previous trials, we believe that this study may have a contributing impact on vaccine acceptance and health policy decision-making.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Infectious Diseases

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Hakan Evren *
0000-0001-8247-8144
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Emine Ünal Evren
0000-0001-9455-0473
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Figen Gülen İnce
0000-0002-5628-9937
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Cenk Soydan
0000-0003-2772-4220
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Ömür Çınar Elçi
0000-0002-8815-288X
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Füsun Yıldız
0000-0003-4810-7301
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Early Pub Date

June 7, 2023

Publication Date

July 10, 2023

Submission Date

February 24, 2022

Acceptance Date

April 14, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2023 Volume: 14 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1076933

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA74BN26RZ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex
EndNote
Evren H, Ünal Evren E, Argun Barış S, Gülen İnce F, Soydan C, Elçi ÖÇ, Yıldız F (July 1, 2023) Comparison of Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Elderly: Pfizer/BioNTech Versus CoronaVac. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 14 3 353–359.

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