Yes, vaccines are generally safe. Extensive testing and rigorous evaluation processes ensure that approved vaccines meet high standards for safety and effectiveness. Millions have received vaccines, and ongoing monitoring by organizations like the CDC continues to track safety and effectiveness, including rare adverse events.
Vaccine Safety Standards
- Rigorous Testing: Before licensing, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and effectiveness (FDA and CDC Lift Recommended Pause on Johnson & Johnson...). The FDA's globally respected scientific standards ensure high quality (Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained | FDA).
- Post-Market Surveillance: Even after approval, continuous monitoring of vaccine safety and effectiveness continues (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety | Vaccine ..., COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know | Johns Hopkins ...). The CDC actively tracks rare adverse events (About Vaccines for your Children | Childhood Vaccines | CDC).
- Established Safety Systems: The United States has a long-standing, robust vaccine safety system (About Vaccines for your Children | Childhood Vaccines | CDC). This system ensures that vaccines undergo comprehensive review before public use.
Minor Side Effects
While very safe, like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects (Vaccines and immunization: Vaccine safety). These are usually minor and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site.
COVID-19 Vaccines Specifically
COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA meet rigorous safety standards and are effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death (Yes. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA meet rigorous testing criteria and are safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death).
