Symptoms experienced and interventions used after first dose of covishield and fear of covid-19 among health care personnel: a cross sectional survey

vaccine. Concerns and apprehensions about the vaccine's side effects are widespread among people. The aim of this study was to explore the symptoms experienced and interventions used after the first dose of Covishield among health care personnel of northern region of India. It also aimed to assess fear of COVID-19 among health care personnel. Method: This was a cross sectional study carried out via an online survey on 400 health care personnel (who had received at least first dose of covishield) from August 2021 to February 2022. Results: The results include the responses of 400 vaccine recipients. Data analysis carried out using SPSS. Semi-structured questionnaire and seven item fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) were used to collect information on study variables. Majority of the participants 334 (83.5%) had both local and systemic side effects. Pain at injection site 138 (34.50%) was the first symptom noticed; followed by fever 111(27.75%). 136(34%) experienced first symptoms after 4-8 hrs of vaccine and the symptoms lasted only for <2days among 238 (59.50%) subjects. Antipyretics 246(61.5%) were used to overcome side effects. 223(55.75%) did not use any home remedy to manage symptoms. Moderate level of fear of COVID-19 was reported by 42% of the participants. Out of 400 health care personnel only 222 had received both doses so the comparison of symptoms after first and second dose could only be done on them. There was significant improvement in the self reported health status after the second dose of Covishield (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study it was identified that health care personnel had both local and systemic side effects after first dose of Covishield which were effectively managed by using antipyretics. Most of the health care personnel (HCPs) had a moderate level of fear of COVID-19.