Center for Disability Leadership

Partnership for People with Disabilities

FACT SHEET; What You Need to Know About the Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Last Updated: May 12, 2021. (Note: This information is based on data available at the time of the update and may change in the future.)

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a new coronavirus. This illness can make you very sick and can make it difficult for you to breathe.

There are vaccines available to help your body fight COVID-19. A vaccine is a shot given in the arm. This fact sheet will help you understand whether the COVID-19 vaccine is safe.

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most people.

  • Testing: Thousands of people tested the vaccine before it became available.
  • Protection: People who get the vaccine are much less likely to get sick from COVID-19.
  • Safety: The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 because it does not have the actual coronavirus in it.
  • Severe Side Effects: Very few people had severe side effects. Severe side effects include:
    • Shortness of breath
    • A rash
    • Swelling of the tongue
    • Shock
    • Hives
    • Wheezing

Who Tested the Vaccine?

Different kinds of people participated in the vaccine trials and all of them did well:

  • People with pre-existing conditions (such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes).
  • People from diverse backgrounds (Black, Hispanic, or Asian).
  • Older people.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you have questions about the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor.

It is important to talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if:

  • You have a weak immune system.
  • You are allergic to other vaccines.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who Should Wait to Get the Vaccine

Some people should not get the vaccine now:

  • People who currently have COVID-19 should wait to get the vaccine until they have recovered. (Visit this website to learn when you are recovered.)
  • People under 12 years old cannot get the vaccine at this time.

Funding for this product was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 2001VASCDD01, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.