How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

The COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials and met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Before they became available in Washington, they were also reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the western states Safety Review Workgroup. Both groups voted to recommend the vaccines for immediate use. The FDA and CDC also continue to closely monitor the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines to identify any adverse events related to the vaccines. 

Read more about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

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1. Who is eligible to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
2. What is an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
3. Should I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve previously gotten a COVID-19 booster?
4. Can I get an updated COVID-19 dose if I haven’t been vaccinated yet?
5. Can I still get a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine?
6. Where can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
7. Who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
8. What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
9. How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
10. How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
11. Why should I consider vaccinating my child? 
12. If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?
13. Do I need to pay for the vaccine?
14. What is a vaccination record card?
15. If I have an underlying health condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
16. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I've had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past?
17. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
18. Where can I report side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
19. What is VAERS?