How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe? Scientists look for safety issues during the testing phase and continue their monitoring as shots roll out around the world.
So far, the only serious warning to emerge is a rare risk of severe allergic reactions. Different types of COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized and it’s possible side effects will differ for each — although there's more public data on the vaccines being rolled out in Western countries than elsewhere.
Countries also vary in their vaccine standards, with some allowing the use of shots before final-stage testing involving large numbers of volunteers.