Exploring the side effects of COVID 19 vaccines (Pfizer, Astra-Zeneca, Moderna) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The public controversy regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines is still a concern to this day, so our study aimed to explore the possible side effect of COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia and to potentially establish an association between different vaccine types and experienced side effects. The data was gathered using an online based google form distributed via social media. 461 participants met the inclusion criteria and were used in the analysis. The focus was exploring the side effects experienced after receiving Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Moderna vaccines as a first, second, or booster dose. With Pfizer as a first, second, or booster dose, pain at injection site was the most commonly experienced side effect. Rarely myocarditis and thromboembolism and peri-carditis were reported with Pfizer. pain at injection site was also the most common side effect with AstraZeneca as a first and second dose. on rare occasions myocarditis and thromboembolism were reported with AstraZeneca. As for Moderna as a booster dose pain at injection site was most commonly experienced, and rarely respondents reported myocarditis and pericarditis. Overall, most of the reported side effects of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were mild side effects and the reported life threatening side effects were very rare.