Adult Pertussis Booster
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Expanded Immunization Program
New and expanded Ontario Immunization Program.
Reliable Sources of Information
Immunization in the Media... Who can you Trust?
Here is some information to help you make an informed decision.
Parents want to make the best decisions for the health of their children and will often rely on a variety of media sources for information. Media is defined as both print and electronic means of communicating information. While the internet is a fast and easy means of finding information, how do you know of the information is based on fact or fiction? Similarly, how do you know if the media portrayals of immunization (such as interviews, news articles) are based on credible evidence? Parents should be informed about immunization.
Here are some tips and how to tell the difference between factual and fictional immunization information.
- Who is Making the Statements?
- What is their Purpose or Motivation?
- Who are their Sponsors?
- Is the Information Canadian?
- Are there any Disclaimers?
- Recommended Websites
- Recommended Reading
- Where can I get More Information?
A person who is making statements or recommending a course of action should have the appropriate educational background and experience in immunization. Look for details on the author such as university degrees and professional membership in medical, nursing, scientific or public health associations.
What is their Purpose or Motivation?
Information that is based on emotion, personal experience or opinion should not be mistaken for fact. There is no substitute for scientific research. Also, check if the individual/website is trying to benefit from their statements. Are they selling a book or a product?
Scientific research is often supported by universities or professional associations and is subject to peer review. A credible source of information will not hide the identity of their sponsors and this information should be easily retrievable. Media presentations are trustworthy if the information they provide:
- Is endorsed by a health agency or association you can trust, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada
- Covers municipal, regional, national or international concerns, not just the views of a single person
- Indicates if it is part of a network of partners and identifies them
- Refers to organizations that are responsible for maintaining standards, such as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization
A website address can often help you learn more about who is sponsoring the information. Some common website addresses are:
.gc.ca Canadian government
.gov United States government
.int International organization
.gov.on.ca Government of Ontario
.ca Canadian-based site
.org Non-profit organization
.com Commercial site
It is important for parents to understand that immunization requirements and schedules differ, depending on where you live. The routine immunization schedule in Ontario is not the same as other provinces/territories in Canada or in the United States. While the names of vaccines are the same internationally, some vaccines may be manufactured differently or contain other ingredients. Therefore, if you are looking for specific information on immunization schedules, vaccine ingredients or provincial requirements, you must find credible Canadian sources of information. Some of these are listed below.
Some speakers or websites claim they provide information for “educational purposes” only, and they do not recommend a specific course of action. Reliable sources of information will take responsibility and stand by their claims.
Remember there are always two sides to every story. Parents should be informed when making decisions about immunization. Here are some reliable sources of information:
immunize.cpha.ca
Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion
caringforkids.cps.ca
Canadian Paediatric Society
phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/index-eng.php
Public Health Agency of Canada, also see all Provincial/Territorial Ministries of Health
cdc.gov/vaccines/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
immunizationinfo.org
National Network for Immunization Information (U.S.)
immunize.org
Immunization Action Coalition (U.S.)
who.int/topics/immunization/en/
World Health Organization
Gold, Ronald (2006). Your Child’s Best Shot, 3rd ed.
Canadian Paediatric Society.
Where can I get More Information?
Your family physician or Peel Public Health nurses are not affiliated with any vaccine manufacturers and can provide reliable immunization information for parents to make the best decisions for the health of their child. Please call 905-799-7700 to speak with a public health nurse.
Adapted from the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion, immunize.cpha.ca
Revised: Friday November 04 2011
