Online first
Original article
Published online: 2024-11-14
Safety of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in the elderly
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DOI: 10.5603/mrj.101017
Abstract
Introduction. COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease that has affected more than 770 million people and has caused more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide. According to scientific data, the patient's age is the most important factor influencing the risk of severe disease course, including a substantially higher risk of death. Therefore, developing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines have become crucial in protecting this age group. Another thing typical for the elderly is that they usually suffer from many ailments, so polypharmacy is a common phenomenon among them. Objective. Our paper presents the initial results of the analysis of adverse effects in the group of older people in the context of participants' pharmacotherapy. Material and methods. The information concerning post-vaccination adverse effects, COVID-19 in the past, and current pharmacotherapy was collected via the analysis of medical documentation of 200 people aged 60 years or older. Statistical analysis was performed using StatSoft Statistica 13.1 software. Results. Twenty-three participants reported adverse effects after vaccination. Statistical analysis of groups with and without adverse effects revealed significant differences in age, cardiovascular drugs, neurological and psychiatric drugs, analgesics, gastrointestinal drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Conclusions. Obtained results suggest the need to study the potential effect of ongoing pharmacotherapy on the safety and effectiveness of vaccination.
Keywords: vaccinepharmacotherapysafetythe elderly
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