Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 and was first recorded in December 2019. COVID-19 became a pandemic
involving almost all countries, including Japan. We evaluated the tolerability and
safety of coronavirus vaccines in terms of seizures in adolescents and young adults
with epilepsy (AYAWE).
Methods We administered a questionnaire to AYAWE who visited the pediatrics departments of
Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, and Hiroshima City
Funairi Citizens Hospital in January and February 2022. Tolerability and safety after
immunization were assessed.
Results In total, 114 vaccinations were delivered to 57 AYAWE aged 12 to 25 years (mean,
15 ± 3.1 years). Fifty-two (91.2%) experienced more than or equal to 1 adverse event
postvaccination. The most commonly reported adverse events were fever (dose 1, 33.3%;
dose 2, 73.7%) and fatigue (dose 1, 24.6%; dose 2, 50.9%). The incidences of headache
(5.2 vs. 21.0%, p = 0.024), fever (33.3 vs. 73.7%, p < 0.001), and fatigue (24.6 vs. 50.9%, p = 0.004) differed significantly between the first and second doses. Only 5.2% of
patients experienced transient seizure worsening, and only one patient reported a
change in seizure semiology.
Conclusion COVID-19 vaccines were well-tolerated in our cohort. The vaccines did not affect
the number or manifestations of seizures. Similar to other illnesses, vaccination
for COVID-19 can be administered to AYAWE without worsening their seizures.
Keywords
epilepsy - COVID-19 - vaccination - adolescents - young adults
