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