The Status of Healthcare Professionals’ Having COVID-19 Vaccine and Evaluation of Its Side Effects: A Pandemic Hospital Experience

Aim: Vaccination is one of the most effective and safest preventive health services in the fight against COVID-19. Many people in society have hesitations about the COVID-19 vaccines. We evaluated the vaccination participation rates of healthcare workers to be a positive role model for society. Methods: Between 14 January 2021 and 15 April 2021, 2637 healthcare workers who received 2 doses of 0.5 ml CoronaVac vaccine with 4 weeks intervals were classified as occupation, unit, marital status, age, and gender. Registered side effects were evaluated. Results: It was observed that 65.6% of the healthcare workers were vaccinated and 2.4% (n=62) of the vaccinated workers developed side effects. The mean age of the vaccinated personnel was 34.37±10.04 years. 59.8% (n=1577) of the vaccinated personnel were male and 53.6% (n=1413) were single. The occupational group with the highest vaccination rate was doctors with 78% (n=658). The most common side effect was myalgia in 45.2% (n=28), followed by headache with 38.7% (n=24). About half of those who developed side effects had only one side effect. Conclusion: It was concluded that COVID-19 vaccination differs according to age, gender, and role in the hospital, with the highest vaccination rate among physicians. The vaccination status of healthcare workers who are heavily affected by COVID-19 will positively affect society. Keywords: health personnel, COVID-19, vaccination