evidence: It is important that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Like any other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are also subject to strict standards for safety and side effects. A COVID-19 vaccine cannot be used until the application for marketing authorisation has been approved. At the European level, the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products – including vaccines – are assessed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In the Netherlands, the Dutch government is also involved in assessing medicinal products through the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG-MEB). Before a vaccine is approved, its benefits (protection against disease) must be assessed in relation to its drawbacks (possible side effects). If a vaccine receives a positive opinion in this initial assessment, a marketing authorisation will be granted by the European Commission which is then valid in all EU (European Union) member states. No vaccines are used that have not been assessed and subsequently approved by the EMA for use in Europe.