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Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe for youth?
Question:
Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe for youth?
Answer:
The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe for youth. The vaccines were tested in youth in clinical trials. The Pfizer vaccine was tested in youth aged 12 to 15 in clinical trials that included more than 2200 teens. The Moderna vaccine was tested on more than 3700 teens aged 12 to 17. The clinical trials compared the immune response, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccine to a placebo. Health Canada reviewed the data from the clinical trials and approved the vaccines after determining that:
• They are safe.
• They are effective (they work).
• The benefits of the vaccines outweigh any risks.
Health Canada has an extensive review and approval process for vaccines. This ensures the safety and quality of vaccines. Once a vaccine is approved and begins to be used, its safety is continuously monitored.
Since approval, hundreds of millions of mRNA vaccines have been safely given to people 12 years of age and older worldwide. As of November 2021, over two million youth in Canada and over 250 thousand youth in BC aged 12 to 17 had already received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are usually mild and go away within a few days. Serious side effects are very rare.
The most common side effects reported by youth are:
- Pain where the shot was given
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle ache
In very rare cases, myocarditis or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle or lining) can occur. Typically, this condition has been mild to moderate. People have recovered with or without treatment. The chance of getting myocarditis from COVID-19 is much greater than getting it from the vaccine.
The medical and scientific community is confident in the long-term safety of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
For more information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for youth, read the Vaccine Safety for Youth handout from the BCCDC.
Date last reviewed:
Thursday, Dec 15, 2022