Safety of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescent Patients of UP-PGH

Authors

  • Roxanne J. Casis Hao, MD Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4094-7736
  • Mary Anne R. Castor, MD Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.6172

Keywords:

COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA vaccine, BNT162b2 vaccine, adverse events following immunization

Abstract

Background. In response to the pandemic brought about by COVID-19, vaccines were developed immediately.
Together with adhering to safety protocols, vaccines are needed to help decrease the mortality and morbidity. As with any other, COVID-19 vaccines are evaluated based on efficacy and safety. Real world data is important in the recommendation of vaccines.

Objectives. This study aims to assess the short-term safety of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines administered to Filipino adolescents from October 15, 2021 to December 15, 2021 at the Philippine General Hospital. The number and typeof local and systemic reaction within 7 days of vaccination were determined.

Methods. This is a  retrospective cohort study. The review of the recorded events was done through an electronic diary that was accessed from the official Electronic Medical Records of University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). This included solicited and prespecified local and systemic reactions that occurred within 7 day  of receipt of vaccine dose. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data.

Results. Out of the 1,756 BNT162b2 vaccines administered (Dose 1- 890; Dose 2- 866), 13% (N=221) indicated
having adverse reaction. Injection site pain was the overall most common reaction with majority (81%) experiencing it within 7 days of vaccination. Systemic reactions made up 60% of the reactions after Dose 1 and 85% of thereactions after Dose 2. This includes tiredness, headache and fever. None of the reactions required hospitalization or further workup.

Conclusion. BNT162b2 vaccine has a good safety profile among adolescents vaccinated at UP-PGH, since most of the reported adverse events within 7 days of vaccination were local and systemic reactogenic reactions that did not necessitate hospitalization or work-up. No serious adverse events were reported. Further follow-up is suggested to assess longer term safety

 

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Published

2023-11-24

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How to Cite

1.
Safety of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescent Patients of UP-PGH. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2023 Nov. 24 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];57(11). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/6172

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