Finding Reliable Vaccine Information

The internet can be a valuable tool or a very scary place. Before accepting something you read on the internet or social media as truth and then begin sharing it with others, it’s important that all of us make sure that the information is coming from a source that can be trusted.

Who We Trust

Here are a few resources Beat COVID Pinellas relies on for factual information or making medical terms easier to understand:

As the nation’s health protection agency, the CDC puts science and technology into action to provide health information that protects U.S. citizens when health threats arise.

As part of a global organization of 3000+ health information professionals, MLA’s Medspeak translates medical jargon into language that everyone can understand.

A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

The mission of the Florida DOH in Pinellas County is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Presents straightforward information about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines. Launched in 2002 by the Immunization Action Coalition partnering with the CDC.

Florida’s Division of Emergency Management plans for and responds to all kinds of disasters. Liaison with federal and local agencies to coordinate state response activities.

When you find or receive vaccine information from friends or family, ask yourself these questions:

Who is managing this information?

It should be easy to find the name of the person or group who has published the information someplace on their website.

What are the letters at the end of the web address?

Websites ending in .gov or .edu addresses are run by government or educational institutions and can usually be trusted. .org or .com sites may also be credible but should be checked closely to be sure.

Who paid for the project and what is their purpose?

Look in the About Us section for this information.

What is the original source of the information?

Anything published in a research journal or book should say exactly which one so that you can find the original document.

How is this information reviewed before posting?

The website should say if a medical or research professional has looked at the information to be sure it’s correct.

Is this site asking for personal information?

Does the site explain how that information will be used and how is your privacy being protected? Don’t share your personal information unless you are absolutely sure how it will be used and you are comfortable with it.

Is the information current?

There should be a date when the information was posted or reviewed.

For more information on evaluating health information, read this article from University of California San Francisco.

“Move forward in knowledge, not in fear.”

– Dr. LaDonna Butler, LMHC
Founder/ Clinical Director, The Well for Life