Vaccination against COVID-19 virus is essential to curb the spread of the virus. Understanding the nature of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination will help to improve vaccine reduce spread , and promote vaccine safety. Objective:This study evaluated the adverse events following vaccination with the different types of COVID19 vaccines, as well as people’s response to such events. Method:A cross-sectional online survey of persons aged 18 years and above who received at least, one dose of a COVID-19 vaccinae in Enugu state, Nigeria was conducted by convenient sampling method. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25 to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. Result:A total of 657 respondents (mean age of 34.9 ± 13 years)completed the survey. Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) was reported by 29.4% of the respondents, mostly (96.3%) experienced after receiving their first dose. Muscle pain, headache, and fever were, respectively, the most frequently reported AEFI (33.5%, 22.7%, and 20.2%). Common response by the respondents after experiencing AEFI include taking paracetamol (36.5%), drinking plenty of water (13.5%), and application of wet cloth over the area (6.5%). AEFI were significantly associated with age and education of the respondents (P-value: 0.013 and 0.020), while no significant association was established between the type of vaccine received. Respondents between the age of 18 and 49 years were 1.871 more likely to admit having experienced AEFI than aged 50 years and above (95% CI: 1.086 – 3.222). Also, respondents with postgraduate and post-secondary education were 3.568 (95% CI: 1.348 – 9.541) and 2.688 (95% CI: 1.009 – 7.162) times more likely to admit that they have experienced AEFI. Conclusion:It is necessary to improve active surveillance reporting system for COVID-19 in the state to better promote vaccine safety, management of cases and more effective public health advisory.

Keywords : COVID-19, surveillance, epidemiology, public health preparedness.