PRESS RELEASE
HURON COUNTY – Ever wonder if you can trust the health information you get on the internet?
Public Health Nurse Ruth Ann Ogilvie from the Huron County Health Unit knows people may go online to get information about vaccines. And she wants to make sure that people are getting facts about immunizations from a reliable source.
Ogilvie says, “Research shows that immunizations are one of the most important health measures to decrease the spread of disease. But many people go online when they have questions about vaccines. We encourage people to call the health unit and talk to a public health nurse, but we know people like to research information for themselves as well.”
The health unit recommends if you do use internet sources that you ask:
- Is it clear who owns the website?
- Is the name of the organization or person responsible for the website in clear view? The website should be endorsed by a health agency or association you can trust.
- Is the information on the website based on scientific studies? Information should be based on several studies, not just someone’s opinion. Studies based on hundreds of people are better than those based on only one or two people. Does the website provide you with references and links to the scientific studies?
- Does the information on the website make sense or does it seem too good to be true?
- Are the people or groups giving you information online qualified to address the subject? A website should provide the authors’ names and their credentials.
Ogilvie says people can learn to choose valid and accurate health information on the internet. For more tips visit the health unit website at www.huroncounty.ca/health and go to the Immunizations and Vaccines section.
