Background: Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken globally to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most COVID-19 vaccines have shown excellent efficacy and safety profiles in clinical studies, real-world monitoring of vaccine safety is still important. In this study, we aimed to investigate the early side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine in children between 12–18 years old in Saudi Arabia. Method: To investigate the side effects in children in this age range following the administration of either one or two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey. General and demographic data were collected, and vaccine-associated side effects following vaccination were evaluated. Results: The study recruited a total of 965 eligible participants. Overall, 571 (60%) of the study participants reported at least one side effect following Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccination. The most frequently reported side effects were pain or redness at the site of injection (90%), fatigue (67%), fever (59%), headache (55%), nausea or vomiting (21%), and chest pain and shortness of breath (20%). Joint or bone pain were reported less frequently among our participants (2%). Our data showed that more female participants reported side effects compared to male participants, with 52% and 48%, respectively. Side effects were more common after the second dose compared to the first dose in our study cohort. Conclusions: While 60% of the children (12–18 years old) who received Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine reported side effects, our data showed that these side effects were not different from those that were reported in the clinical trials which lasted only for a few days. Side effects were more common after the second dose. Larger epidemiological and molecular studies are needed to evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine in protection of children against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

Background: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that initiated early vaccination programs despite the global challenges concerning the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken in the country; however, negative perception and hesitancy toward vaccines may exist which could reduce public response to vaccination. Further, studies evaluating the current perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines are scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the community attitudes and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted among the public in Jazan, the southern region of Saudi Arabia. General and demographic data were collected, and perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated. Results: Most participants in this study were female (67%) with a median age of 23 years. The majority held a bachelor’s degree, and they trusted the Saudi healthcare system. Our survey showed that 67% of the study participants had positive perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines, a finding that is significantly associated with receiving the influenza vaccine in the past, the existence of trust on the current healthcare system and holding positive beliefs toward the effectiveness of the current COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the risk of infection, complication, and mortality. Conclusions: The proportion of the public in Jazan who believed in the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is not inferior from similar international reports. Thus, national awareness programs toward the effectiveness of the vaccine could be enhanced to accelerate vaccination coverage. Further, nationwide surveys are warranted to include larger populations from different communities to assess the overall perception toward COVID-19 vaccines in the whole country.

Background: Sickle cell diseases (SCD) are a group of inherited disorders that lead to abnormal beta subunits of hemoglobin (Hb) and are characterized by several complications which can be life-threatening. The prevalence of this disease is high in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia. The current protocol for the treatment of SCD is mainly based on alleviating signs and symptoms to avoid severe complications. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is considered a definitive therapy for SCD. However, there is a long patient waiting list for HSCT in Saudi Arabia. A lack of community awareness and incorrect information about the importance of HSCT in SCD treatment is believed to be contributing to the shortage in HSCT. Thus, this study aims to assess community awareness and attitudes toward HSCT as a cure for SCD in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An observational cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in Jazan province. General and demographic data were collected and pretested survey including questions about public knowledge and attitude toward HSCT for SCD were answered. Both t-test and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results: 1167 participants were included in this study with a mean age of 26 (SD: 8). About 50% of the study participants believed that SCD can be treated and 78% of the study participants already have heard about HSCT. About 57% of the participants defined HSCT correctly and 42% were willing to donate. Better knowledge and positive attitude toward HSCT were significantly reported among patients with SCD or their relatives as well as among people with higher education and healthcare workers (HCW). Conclusion: About 57% of the study participants were able to define HSCT and most related questions were answered correctly. A positive correlation was found between the knowledge about HSCT and people with higher education or those who were diagnosed with SCD or their relatives and friends. Further, only 42% of our study participants were willing to donate, a percent that is positively associated with better knowledge about HSCT. National education programs are needed to enhance the overall awareness of Jazan communities toward HSCT which could contribute to reducing the number of patients waiting for HSCT.