Self-reported Side Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are often promoted as safe. However, real world data tell a different story. The aim of this study is to investigate the type and frequency of adverse reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a randomly selected cohort of unrelated individuals. Adverse reactions to the first/second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were recorded using an online reporting system called “Pabbly”. Patients were asked via social media to report any symptoms temporarily associated with vaccination. One hundred subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 42.6 years (range: 12–74 years). Ninety-one percent were female. The latency period between vaccination and onset of symptoms ranged from zero to 18 days. The most commonly reported symptoms were tingling/vibration/tremor (79%), numbness (57%), heart problems (53%), muscle weakness/muscle pain (45%), dizziness (44%), headache (44%) and fatigue (43%). Three patients developed small fiber neuropathy. Three patients had COVID-19 prior to vaccination. Of the included subjects, 37% had to be hospitalized. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not without side effects, regardless of the product used. In most cases, the reported side effects were not life-threatening, but one third of study participants experienced serious side effects requiring hospitalization and intensive care. Manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines should respond appropriately to reports of adverse reactions associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.