Covid-19 Information Centre
COVID-19 vaccine development was accelerated without impacting safety
The need for a COVID-19 vaccine was urgent, so many resources were used to develop it quickly. Research and development took place at the same time around the world while still adhering to strict safety and clinical standards. This allowed for faster vaccine development, but doesn't make the studies any less rigorous or the vaccine any less safe.
Vaccines are throughly tested for safety before they're approved
Vaccines go through extensive trials before they can be introduced in a country. Expert doctors and scientists follow strict international standards while deciding whether to approve a vaccine. Like all medicines, vaccines may cause side effects that are usually minor and temporary. More serious side effects are extremely rare. A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than by its vaccine.
Vaccine side effects are usually mild
Vaccines help protect the body from certain diseases. Like any medicine, they can cause minor, short-term side effects while the body adjusts them, such as a sore arm or a mild fever. More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than by its vaccine.
Pneumonia vaccines don't prevent COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Existing vaccines are highly recommended, however, to protect your health from pneumonia.
Vaccine trials involve a diverse range of volunteers
In clinical trials, people volunteer to take and test the vaccine. These volunteers should be from diverse geographic areas, racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders and ages. They should also include people with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk for the disease. This helps ensure the vaccine is safe and effective for everyone.
You won't be able to make a COVID-19 vaccine at home
Vaccine development is a complicated, technical process that can't be done at home. It involves extensive laboratory testing followed by clinical trials involving thousands of volunteers. Vaccines must be approved in a country by expert doctors and scientists.
