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Immunize BC

Vaccine safety

On March 31, the ImmunizeBC website will move over to HealthLinkBC.ca After this date, you will be automatically redirected to HealthLink BC’s Immunization landing page. HealthLink BC provides trusted health information online and over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 8-1-1.
A close up of a scientist wearing blue latex gloves.

Vaccine development, approval and safety monitoring

Before any vaccine is approved for use by Health Canada, it must go through in-depth testing to prove it is safe and that it works. Even after a vaccine is approved for use, its safety is continuously monitored. 

A white woman talking with a nurse after getting a vaccine.

Multiple vaccines and combination vaccines

It is safe for children to receive multiple vaccines during one visit. This helps protect them from serious diseases early in life when they are most at risk of becoming seriously ill.

A Brown woman wearing a mask with blue whales on it sitting with a band aid on her arm after receiving a vaccine.

Side effects

Vaccines are among the safest medical products available. Vaccine side effects are usually mild (like a sore arm or mild fever) and go away in a few days. Serious side effects are very rare.

A group of scientists in a lab, representing a mix of genders.

Vaccine ingredients

The ingredients in vaccines are important for keeping them safe and effective. Each ingredient is used only in very small amounts, and only necessary ingredients are included. The ingredients are tested during safety studies.

FAQ

Is it safe for my child to get more than one vaccine at the same time?
Getting multiple vaccines at the same visit is safe and ensures your child is protected as quickly as possible during their early years of life when they are most at risk. Getting several vaccines at the same time also means fewer appointments and periods of pain and discomfort for your child, which may reduce your child’s risk of developing needle fears. 
 
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Are the ingredients in vaccines safe?
Vaccine ingredients have been carefully studied for a long time and are safe in the small amounts used. You may have heard or read that some vaccine ingredients are harmful, but this is true only at much higher amounts than those found in vaccines. Any substance, even water, can be harmful at a high dose. 
 
 
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