COVID vaccine: Social, menstrual and psychological aftermath

Abstract

Objective

Beginning from the end of year 2019 till end of year 2021 the whole world has witnessed a calamity that shook every aspect of human life. Globally, countries were engrossed in developing the vaccine at the earliest. Several vaccines having Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) were distributed and administered, after assuring no severe adverse impact. However, certain side effects persist. These unforeseen outcomes led to vaccine hesitant behavior and even refusal to take a jab. In this context, the present study attempts to investigate the social, psychological and menstrual changes perceived after inoculation.

Material and methods

Cross-sectional observational study following the CHERRIES publication guidelines for the description of research results from web based surveys and questionnaires.

Results

The study reveals that almost 40 % of the respondents have received some information relating to the impact that vaccine has on menstrual health and out of which almost 65% have received negative information. Moreover, 32% of the respondents were not very sure about the side effects or after effects of the vaccine. The inferential findings of this study suggest that COVID vaccine has affected the menstrual cycle, particularly cycle length and volume. Majorly, the impact of vaccine was reported by those who have already suffered from past menstrual illnesses. However, age, geographical demography and the type of vaccine injected does not significantly impact the menstrual homeostasis.

Conclusion

Geographical demography of respondents have significant impact on their perceived psychological stress after the vaccination. This study shows the significance of gender-based trials of vaccines in the coming future so that these unforeseen physiological and psychological ailments can be evaded.