Vaccine development and safety

Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored in Canada to ensure that they are safe and effective.

This page is a collection of awareness resources produced by the Government of Canada and Health Canada.

Vaccine development and approval in Canada

Health Canada’s independent drug authorization process is recognized around the world for its high standards and rigorous review. Our decisions are based only on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective. The benefits must also outweigh any risks.

Government of Canada
(Source: Government of Canada)

Vaccine safety in Canada

For as long as [a vaccine] is used in Canada, its quality and safety are checked and rechecked: by Health Canada scientists who review it; by doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who give it; [and] by public health teams who monitor it.

Government of Canada
Immunization and vaccine awareness poster: Vaccine safety (Source: Public Health Agency of Canada)
Vaccine safety matters (Source: BCCDC)
Vaccine safety in Canada (Source: Government of Canada)
COVID-19: Vaccine safety post-market surveillance (Source: Government of Canada)

COVID-19 vaccines

The facts about COVID-19 vaccines (Source: Government of Canada)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspUIojGOH0
How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe? (Source: Government of Canada)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb5XZ3sSJN8
How are the COVID-19 vaccines being monitored for safety? (Source: Government of Canada)

How do mRNA vaccines work?

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines provide instructions for how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response. Your body then prepares antibodies and cells that help you fight the virus if it enters your body in the future.

Government of Canada
How do COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work? (Source: Government of Canada)

How were mRNA vaccines developed so quickly?

COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly without skipping any safety steps thanks to advances in science, international collaboration and increased funding.

Government of Canada
How were mRNA vaccines developed so quickly? (Source: Government of Canada)