Knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 vaccine and its self-reported adverse effects among staffs and students of dental college in Himachal Pradesh

Background: Demonstration of safety is very significant with COVID-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly. Therefore, it is crucial to understand various mistrusts regarding COVID-19 vaccine. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 vaccine and its self-reported adverse effects among staffs and students of dental college in Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among the students and staff members of H. P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. All those who received the vaccine from January 22 to February 8, 2021, were included. The survey was divided into two sections. Section 1 of the questionnaire included 14 questions which were regarding the knowledge and attitude of COVID-19 vaccine, whereas Section 2 of the questionnaire included a table with 13 symptoms, and the participants were asked to check the postvaccine symptoms whichever they experienced with the duration. Results: Majority, i.e., 94 of the recipients had pain at the injection site which had a duration range of 24 h to 4-5 days. Of 111 participants, 88 had a symptom of chills lasting 8 h to 48-72 h. 74.5% were hesitant to treat patients due to COVID-19 infection worries. 75.4% considered the need to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviors such as wearing mask, maintain social distancing, and not going to crowded places even after vaccination. Conclusion: Participants in this survey reported favorable attitudes toward vaccination. The commonly reported adverse effects of vaccination were pain at injection, chills, body ache, and fever.