Acceptance and side effects of COVID-19 vaccination among private dental practitioners and their staffs in Belagavi city

Background: In January 2021, India launched its largest COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Vaccines were distributed at 3,006 locations across India. The health-care workers were given first preference for vaccination. Vaccines are intended to provide immunity without the risk of disease transmission. Methods: A survey was conducted among private dental practitioners and their staff to inquire about their vaccination status, symptoms experienced, post-vaccination dental practice, and out-patient care. A complete list of registered dentists was compiled. A total of 315 participants were interviewed, including both private dental practitioners and their staffs, and data collected via phone call. Results: A total of 315 participants from 120 Dental Clinics in Belgaum City were included in the current study. 84.1% of the population were immunized. The majority of them (80.38%) were vaccinated with Covishield, and (69.06%) received two doses. In addition, 90.57% of participants experienced one or more symptoms following vaccination. The main symptoms reported were Fever/Chills (50.19%), Fatigue (27.12%), Headache (22.26%). Only 0.75% had diarrhea. None of the symptoms were life-threatening or necessitated hospitalization. Conclusion: The vaccine acceptance rate was 84.1% in the study. Mild and short post-vaccination symptoms was reported in more than two-thirds of healthcare professionals.