News Feature                   For Immediate Release

April 20, 2005

Vaccine Information on the Internet

Can you trust what you read?

National Immunization Awareness Week is April 24 to 30. Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the past 50 years than any other health intervention. It is the single most cost-effective health investment, and it truly is a cornerstone of efforts to promote and protect health.

Cathy Coburn, Public Health Nurse at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, suggests that this is an opportune time to encourage the public to access reliable and trustworthy information about vaccination.

Many people use the Internet for vaccination information. Coburn cautions that some websites display misleading information. “They are designed to look scientific but may not have scientifically valid information.”

Anyone can create a website. What sites can you trust? Public Health offers helpful tips to determine if a website is reliable:

·        Purpose: Purpose and mission of the site are clearly stated. Information provided is based on solid scientific research, rather than supporting a specific cause or group.

·        Sponsors: Sponsor’s contact information is displayed and identity is not hidden.

·        Supporting organizations: Site is endorsed by trustworthy health agencies or associations, and regional, national or international concerns are covered, not just the view of one person. Organizations responsible for upholding standards are referenced, such as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

·        Maintenance: Experts review the information provided. New information is posted on a regular basis. Dates are provided on updated or new information.

·        Names of Authors: Names, backgrounds and credentials of authors whose information appears on the website are stated. Be careful of sites that list “world-famous researchers”, “well-known scientists” or “noted experts”. Look for authors with university degrees as well as professional memberships in health-related associations.

·        Who is making statements: Science-based information, not opinion, is listed and supported by universities or professional associations. References and links that support statements should appear on the website.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions when reviewing a website, avoid using the website.

·        Are the website’s ideas based on the notion of “conspiracy”?

·        Does the site claim to have discovered “the hidden truth” about vaccines?

·        Is the information based on emotion rather than scientific fact?

·        Is the information based on facts that are tested?

·        Is the website based on out-of-date information?

·        Does the website focus on selling products?

The following websites are reliable and trustworthy:

Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion - www.immunize.cpha.ca

Canadian Paediatric Society - www.caringforkids.cps.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada - www.phac-aspc.gc.ca 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USA - www.cdc.gov

For information about vaccines and immunization contact the Public Health Unit at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

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For more information:

Cathy Coburn

Public Health Nurse, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456