evidence: Safe and effective vaccines help ensure that COVID-19 does not result in severe disease and death. In 2021 alone, COVID-19 vaccines saved an estimated 14.4 million lives worldwide. Vaccination also reduces the likelihood of new variants from emerging. [...] Unprecedented scientific collaborations, extensive prior research and substantial public funding enabled swift COVID-19 vaccine development to be completed in record time – while maintaining high safety standards. New versions of the vaccine are being developed as the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate and change. Since 2021, more than 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally. As with all vaccines, WHO and regulatory authorities continuously monitor the use of COVID-19 vaccines to identify and respond to any safety issues that might arise. Serious reactions to COVID-19 vaccines are extremely rare. Through this process, we establish that COVID-19 vaccines remain safe worldwide.