COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offer protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. (CDC)

• FDA carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials.
• FDA authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
• FDA issued final (non-emergency) approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine also known as Comirnaty in August 2021.
• FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

The first two mRNA vaccines in line for FDA authorization were tested in a diverse group of people. About 30% of U.S. participants were Hispanic, African American, Asian or Native American. About half were older adults. There were no significant safety concerns identified in these or any other groups. (CDC)

Both this disease and the vaccine are new. We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who get infected or those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice. (CDC)

COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to learn more about their safety and effectiveness. However, it does take time and more people getting vaccinated before we can learn about very rare or long-term side effects. That is why safety monitoring will continue. CDC has an independent group of experts that reviews all the safety data as they come in and provides regular safety updates. Any possible problems will be quickly investigated to find out if the issue is related to the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the best course of action. (CDC)