Principle 1 - Information must be authoritative

Are the authors of the site stated or listed?

Are they recognized professionals or have special training in the area?

If it is an organization sharing information, what is their reputation and position on the issue?

Is medical information clearly stated and explained?

What types of facts are used to share information? (ie statistics, personal stories, scientific studies). Is this information referenced?

Is the information presented in a Canadian setting? Health issues, particularly vaccines, differ between countries.

Are the references recent? New information and developments can change advice.

Are the statements being made believable?

See About Us

Principle 2 - Purpose of the website

-Have both the purpose of the web site and the missions of the organisation behind the site been clearly presented?

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Principle 3 - Confidentiality

If the site requests information about you, do they tell you exactly why they want this information? Are their privacy guidelines clearly stated?

If you have to register to use the site, is the reason clear and your privacy ensured?

If there is a fee to use the resources on the site, are the fees clearly explained?

See our Privacy Statement

Principle 4 - Information must be

Referenced and dated

What literature was used to gather information for the article? 
Is the date of modification included on every page of the site?

Principle 5 - Justification of claims

Does the site offer a clear statement that health information should not be taken as health advice or a substitute for visiting a health professional?

See our Disclaimer

Principle 6 - Website contact details

Does the site provide contact information with a full name, address, phone number, e-mail address?

When you contact the site do you get an individual and prompt answer to your enquiry? See Contact

Principle 7 - Disclosure of funding sources

If someone has created their own personal website with no external sources of funds, do they tell you? If the site is funded separately by a different entity, is it clear? Who funds the organization?

Is there potential for bias or conflict of interest in the information presented (We’ve seen tobacco companies fund websites that discredit scientific findings about smoking.)?

Are both (or all) sides of the issue presented? If all sides of the issue are not presented, is this made clear?

See About Us

Principle 8 - Advertising policy

Are commercial links and/or sponsorships clearly stated? Are these sponsorships separate from the health information content?

See our Disclaimer