Finding Credible Vaccine Information

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis.

CDC’s vaccines and immunization web content is researched, written and approved by subject matter experts, including physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, and analysts. Content is based on peer-reviewed science. CDC leadership makes the final decision on the words, images and links to best serve the information needs of the public as well as healthcare providers, public health professionals, partners, educators, and researchers. Science and public health data are frequently updated. Most pages are reviewed yearly.

CDC’s NCIRD is a memberExternal of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Vaccine Safety NetExternal and follows web content and credibility criteria defined by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine SafetyExternal (GACVS).

CDC’s vaccines safety site is one of WHO’s 20 English language certified web sitesExternal.

As you surf for vaccine information, consider guidance from these sources:

• The Immunization Action Coalition suggests questions you should askExternal.
• The National Network for Immunization Information (NNii)External suggests questions to ask when evaluating information.
• The University of California San Francisco’s Evaluating Health InformationExternal page lists “Red Flags” every consumer needs to know.
• The Medical Library AssociationExternal translates medical jargon (Medspeak)External into language everyone can understand.

While it’s a useful tool for researching health-related issues, the Internet does not replace a discussion with a healthcare professional.