Join VSN

Join VSN

Download the VSN application form, complete it and send it to

pvsupport@who.int

Evaluation process

New websites

WHO evaluates new candidates for inclusion in the VSN on a rolling basis. Please note that not all websites are eligible to join the VSN.

Screening criteria

Inclusion criteria 

The website:

  • Should have a public health focus
  • Contains information on vaccine safety
  • If member registration is required, registration and information are free of charge
  • Website adopts the VSN logo1

Exclusion criteria

The following websites are not eligible to join the VSN:

  • Corporate websites.
  • Websites owned by institutions considered to be “nonstate actors”2 must disclose all relevant information3 about themselves regarding their engagement with tobacco and arms industry. WHO does not engage with the tobacco industry or non-State actors that work to further the interests of the tobacco industry. WHO also does not engage with the arms industry.
  •  Corporate websites.

1 If embedding a script is an issue, provide link to VSN portal. The PVG Team will contact the focal points of the sites that are not allowed to include external links 

2Nonstate actors as defined by WHO (name the resolution or any other policy document) include nongovernmental organizations, private-sector entities, philanthropic foundations and academic institutions.

3Arms-Tobacco Disclosure Statement to be completed before official welcome of the website/institution.

The VSN evaluation process unfolds in the following manner:

If you feel that your site meets the GACVS criteria outlined above, kindly download the VSN application form, complete it, and send it to

pvsupport@who.int

WHO will then conduct a preliminary assessment of your website. If your website meets the screening criteria then WHO will conduct a formal assessment.

During the formal assessment, your website will be evaluated against the revised criteria for good information practices by a team comprised of the VSN coordinator and one or more external consultants.

The evaluation team will send you feedback regarding any areas that require clarification or improvements in order to meet the GACVS criteria as well as a set of recommendations to assist you in meeting these criteria. When applicable, the WHO evaluation team will provide examples illustrating different ways that VSN members have addressed each recommendation.

Once the identified issues have been addressed to the satisfaction of the evaluators, WHO will add your web site to the list of VSN members.