Brady Collins
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development and deployment of several vaccines to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These vaccines are safe for most people, including those with pre-existing conditions, and are effective in preventing serious illness and death. While the vaccines are not known to cause any severe health reactions or death, certain individuals with a history of severe allergies, especially to vaccines or their ingredients, should refrain from vaccination. Pregnant women and healthy individuals under the age of 65 have faced confusion regarding vaccine recommendations, with some experts advising against their vaccination. However, health organizations generally encourage vaccination for these groups, prioritizing those at the highest risk of severe disease or death. As of June 2021, the WHO has evaluated and approved various vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen, for their safety and efficacy against COVID-19.
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
COVID-19 vaccines teach your body how to defend against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Vaccination triggers a more potent neutralizing antibody response than even that seen in patients recovering from COVID-19. While side effects like fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and "COVID arm" have been observed, these are mild to moderate and go away within a few days.
For people at high risk of getting severe COVID-19, any available vaccine is more beneficial than delaying vaccination. Hybrid immunity from both vaccination and infection enhances protection against severe disease and confers longer protection. Revaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk, including older adults, people with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant persons, and health workers.
While some may be hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to fear of side effects or concerns about safety, the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks. The FDA has approved COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Healthcare providers can also prescribe the vaccine for "off-label" use if patients don't meet these categories but still wish to be vaccinated.
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Vaccines reduce severe disease and death
Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent diseases. Vaccines save between 2 and 3 million lives each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists, businesses, and global health organizations to develop and deploy safe and effective vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness or death in the case of a 'breakthrough' infection. While it is still possible to contract COVID-19 after vaccination, the chances of this happening are very small. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease expert, has stated that these breakthrough cases are not "a red flag".
A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared non-COVID-19 mortality rates among 6.4 million vaccinated and 4.6 million unvaccinated people. The study found that those who received any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. had a lower risk of all-cause death.
Additionally, the scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing the risk of severe illness and death, even for people with medical problems such as diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease, lung disease, sickle cell, or a weak immune system. However, it is important to note that individuals with a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.
The KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll Pilot found that a third of adults believed that COVID-19 vaccines caused thousands of sudden deaths in otherwise healthy people. This belief has been addressed by health experts, who have stated that there is no evidence of a link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden death in young people.
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Vaccines are continuously monitored for safety
As of May 2025, there are over 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trials, and approved vaccines are being administered to people aged six months and older. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists, businesses, and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response and ensure equitable vaccine access and distribution worldwide.
Vaccines are among the most studied medical products, and they undergo rigorous safety testing before being approved for use. Scientists and researchers continuously monitor vaccine safety through various systems and surveillance programs even after approval. This process involves tracking and analyzing data from various sources, including adverse event reports and clinical trials, to identify any potential risks or issues.
For example, the United States has the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is jointly maintained by the FDA and the CDC. This system allows for the reporting and investigation of any adverse events following immunizations. Similarly, Canada has the Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive (IMPACT), funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. European countries also have surveillance systems, often integrated with drug safety surveillance, and all European member states report to the EMA.
Additionally, WHO has developed a multiphase plan to enhance vaccine safety surveillance and investigation in low- and middle-income countries. The organization's Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring, or the Uppsala Monitoring Center (UMC), plays a crucial role in improving passive safety surveillance internationally. These efforts ensure that vaccines remain safe for those who receive them, even as new information comes to light.
The continuous monitoring of vaccine safety is a critical aspect of public health, and it helps ensure that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh the risks.
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Vaccines are recommended for pregnant women
There are currently more than 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trials. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists, businesses, and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response. When a safe and effective vaccine is found, COVAX will facilitate equitable access and distribution to all countries, prioritizing those most at risk.
Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19, and vaccination can help prevent complications such as preterm birth and serious illness in the mother. The vaccines have been well studied during pregnancy and are considered safe for both mother and baby. Additionally, the vaccines offer passive protection to newborns for at least a few months after birth.
It is important to note that individuals should consult with their doctors before receiving any vaccine, especially if they have specific medical concerns or a history of severe allergic reactions.
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Vaccines are available for children
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists, businesses, and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response. The WHO believes that everyone who could benefit from safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines should have access as quickly as possible, starting with those at the highest risk. The organization has released two key documents to help guide the allocation and prioritization of populations to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
In the United States, the FDA has approved updated COVID-19 shots with some restrictions for children and adults. One of the two vaccines available for young children has been removed. The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are approved for all seniors but have limited use for younger adults and children. Children with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity, are eligible for the new shots. Pfizer's vaccine is no longer authorized for any child under 5.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that all children ages 6 months through 23 months should receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients. They also recommend a single dose of the vaccine for children ages 2 through 18 years if they are at high risk of COVID-19, residents of long-term care facilities, have never been vaccinated against COVID-19, or live with people who are high-risk. The AAP has objected to the new limits on vaccine access, stating that they may block families who want to protect their children from getting vaccinated.
Overall, while vaccines are available for children in some cases, the specific recommendations and approvals vary by region and are subject to change as the pandemic evolves. It is important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have several safe and effective vaccines that prevent people from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most people 18 years and older, including those with pre-existing conditions. The vaccine is also authorized for use in people 6 months of age and older. However, children should not be vaccinated for the moment as there is not enough evidence on the use of vaccines against COVID-19 in children.
It is extremely rare for severe health reactions to be directly caused by vaccines. However, some people who have received dermal fillers may develop swelling at or near the filler injection site after a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is temporary and can be resolved with medical treatment.
If you have a complicated medical condition and are unsure about whether or not to get the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider, and they can recommend the best course of action for your unique situation. You should not get the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine.
