KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE STUDY OF ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNISATION WITH REGARD TO COVID VACCINES AMONG MBBS STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) of COVID-19 vaccines among MBBS students of Madras Medical College. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a Google Forms questionnaire circulated via e-mail and WhatsApp. A total of 256 MBBS students participated in the study. Responses related to knowledge, attitude and practice of AEFI reporting were collected and analysed descriptively. Results: Among the respondents, 98% knew the correct expansion of AEFI, 94.1% identified the symptoms of mild AEFI, and 92.7% were aware of cluster AEFI. Regarding attitude, 64.8% agreed that local post-vaccination symptoms resolve spontaneously, and an equal proportion strongly agreed that AEFI reporting contributes to vaccine safety. For practice, 95.7% strongly agreed that they would encourage their peers to report AEFI, and mobile applications were the most commonly used reporting method. Conclusion: MBBS students demonstrated adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards AEFI associated with COVID-19 vaccines. However, the actual practice of AEFI reporting was relatively lower, indicating the need for enhanced awareness and continuous training to strengthen reporting practices.