clinical challenges of the covid-19 vaccines: frequency of serious adverse events after immunization in hospitalized patients

Background and aims: today, the role of coronavirus disease 19 (covid-19) vaccines in preventing the disease and reducing the severity of the disease is undeniable; however, there is a possibility of serious adverse events following immunization (saefi) that might be life-threatening. the present study was designed to identify the frequency of the most common saefi in hospitalized people after receiving the covid-19 vaccine in the south of iran. methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. in total, since the start of the covid-19 vaccination program in the city of larestan, in the south of iran, a total of 68 sick people have been hospitalized due to complications caused by the vaccine. the research tool of the present study was a standard checklist called the saefi of the covid-19 vaccine. results: a total of 68 hospital cases were reviewed. the mean age of the individuals with saefi was 59.78±12.70 years, and 21 (56.8%) of them were females. acute respiratory distress syndrome (ards) was the most common 24 (64.9%) saefi. based on the results, 2 (5.4%) had acute coronary syndrome (acs), 2 (5.4%) had guillain-barré syndrome, and 2 (5.4%) had a stroke. conclusion: it can be mentioned that there is always a possibility of saefi, but its frequency in the general population is extremely rare. however, the most common saefis included adverse drug reactions, stroke, and guillain-barré syndrome. the readiness of health care staff for early detection of possible saefi can be effective in reducing the severity of the saefi.