COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
L'information contenue dans cette section est en anglais et en cri. Pour obtenir des renseignements à jour sur ce sujet en français, veuillez consulter le site quebec.ca.
Did you know?
Safe and Effective
- The COVID-19 vaccine is approved by Health Canada and is safe. It has met all the requirements for approval.
- The vaccine has about a 94% success rate in protecting people from severe forms of the COVID-19 disease and serious consequences like hospitalization.
- It is an important layer of protection, along with other precautionary measures.
- Experts are closely monitoring any adverse reactions that could occur following vaccination to ensure the public receives a safe, effective vaccine.
Possible Reactions to the Vaccine
As a precaution, after receiving your shot, stay at the vaccination clinic for at least 15 minutes.
- Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine, such as pain at the injection site in your arm.
- These side effects mean your body’s immune system is learning how to protect you from COVID-19.
- Most reactions are harmless and last less than 48 hours.
- Most people have stronger reactions to the second dose than they did to the first dose, although some have no reaction at all.
- Reactions can be reduced by taking Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- Vaccines can not cause COVID-19 because they do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you have an allergic reaction, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination. The person giving the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately.
Side Effects
In most cases
(more than 50% of people)
- Pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
What to do
- Apply a cold, damp compress at the injection site
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
Very often
(less than 50% of people)
- Fever
- Shivering
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
What to do
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
Often
(less than 10% of people)
- Redness, swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
What to do
- Apply a cold, damp compress at the injection site
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
