Comparative Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Healthcare Workers in Iran
Novelty in Biomedicine,
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026),
25 August 2026
,
Page 111-119
https://doi.org/10.22037/nbm.v14i3.51376
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective strategy to control the pandemic; however, concerns regarding vaccine-related adverse effects remain, particularly among healthcare workers who were prioritized for vaccination. In Iran, several COVID-19 vaccines with different platforms have been administered, and comparative safety data are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the frequency and severity of adverse effects following administration of Sinopharm, Sputnik V, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among Iranian healthcare workers who received COVID-19 vaccines through official healthcare organizations. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-designed online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and vaccine-related adverse effects after the first and second doses. Adverse effects were categorized by type and severity (mild, moderate, severe). Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Comparisons were performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: A total of 456 participants were included (55% female, 45% male). Sinopharm was associated with the lowest frequency and severity of adverse effects, while AstraZeneca showed the highest frequency across both doses. Injection-site pain, fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, and chills were the most commonly reported adverse effects. Adverse effects were generally more frequent after the first dose than the second. Women experienced significantly higher frequencies and greater severity of adverse effects compared to men. Serious adverse events were rare and no vaccine-related deaths were reported.
Conclusion: Among the three COVID-19 vaccines evaluated, Sinopharm demonstrated the most favorable safety profile, whereas AstraZeneca was associated with a higher frequency and severity of adverse effects. Most adverse effects were mild to moderate and self-limiting. These findings may help improve public confidence in vaccination programs and guide future vaccine safety monitoring.
- COVID-19
- Vaccines
- Adverse effects
- Healthcare workers
- Sinopharm
- AstraZeneca
- Sputnik V
How to Cite
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