Vaccine Information on the Internet
10 Tips for Evaluating Immunization Information on the Internet
- The ownership of the site should be clear.
- The information provided should be based on sound scientific study.
- The site should carefully weigh the evidence and acknowledge the limitations of the work.
- Beware of "junk science" and suggestions of "conspiracies."
- The individuals or group providing the information should be qualified to address the subject matter.
- Arguments should be based on facts, not opinion.
- The motives of the site should be clear.
- The information provided should make sense.
- One sign of a scientifically sound Internet site is that it contains references from and to recognized peer-reviewed publications.
- You should be able to obtain additional information if you need it.
Other sources of Information:
Reliable Internet and Print Resources for Scientific, Evidence-Based Information about Childhood Immunizations and Vaccines
National Network for Immunization Information (NNII)
Vaccine Education Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS): www.immunize.org/vis
Needle Tips Newsletter for health professionals: www.immunize.org/nt
Unprotected People: case studies of individuals who did not receive appropriate vaccines:
www.immunize.org/stories/unprot.htm
Free print materials: www.immunize.org/catg.d/free.htm
CDC National Immunization Program
CDC National Immunization Program publications
