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1. Showing the CDC Schedulesand other content on Your Web Site Cathy Hogan, NCIRD web team leader
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Current Issues in Immunization Net Conference, March 29, 2012 Hello, I�m Cathy Hogan, the web team leader for all the immunization related websites at the CDC. Today, I�m going to talk about the best method for showing the CDC immunization schedules on your web site.
Hello, I�m Cathy Hogan, the web team leader for all the immunization related websites at the CDC. Today, I�m going to talk about the best method for showing the CDC immunization schedules on your web site.
2. CDC Schedules on Other Sites What�s good
Google search on �immunization schedule� shows lots of sites with CDC schedules
Sites that link to the CDC�s schedules
What�s bad
Sites that copy the schedule(s)
Many years old
If current year, version with error
First let me tell you that most of the immunization schedules found via a search engine such as Google lead to the OLD versions of the schedule�
WebMD and many state health dept sites still have the 20ll version
�
An embarrassing amount of state and local health departments have schedules from 2009, 2010, and even older on their sites.
Of the ones that had the current year�s 2012 versions because they had copied CDC�s PDFs, minor errors since publication have not been fixed.
Also, their sites are missing an important note that the schedules are to be used in combination due to the footnotes no longer being repeated among the separate schedules.
First let me tell you that most of the immunization schedules found via a search engine such as Google lead to the OLD versions of the schedule�
WebMD and many state health dept sites still have the 20ll version
�
An embarrassing amount of state and local health departments have schedules from 2009, 2010, and even older on their sites.
Of the ones that had the current year�s 2012 versions because they had copied CDC�s PDFs, minor errors since publication have not been fixed.
Also, their sites are missing an important note that the schedules are to be used in combination due to the footnotes no longer being repeated among the separate schedules.
3. How to Best Bring Schedules to Your Site The answer to these inconsistencies in versions, and missing information is something called Content Syndication. It is one of the easiest and most powerful of the tools CDC offers for helping you build your web site.
It�s a way to get not only the schedules but other CDC content onto your website.
The answer to these inconsistencies in versions, and missing information is something called Content Syndication. It is one of the easiest and most powerful of the tools CDC offers for helping you build your web site.
It�s a way to get not only the schedules but other CDC content onto your website.
4. Use Content Syndication Content Syndication is a way for you to display CDC�s content within your site�s pages so visitors don�t leave your site.
CDC�s content is shown on the other site�s framework--in other words, visitors see CDC�s content within your site�s header, footer, and navigation. It lets you keep the look and feel of your site but show CDC�s content.
Content Syndication is a way for you to display CDC�s content within your site�s pages so visitors don�t leave your site.
CDC�s content is shown on the other site�s framework--in other words, visitors see CDC�s content within your site�s header, footer, and navigation. It lets you keep the look and feel of your site but show CDC�s content.
5. What it Does for You Keeps your web visitors on your site
Updates are deployed to your site immediately
Builds your creditability by combining state and local updates with CDC�s national level updates
Lessens time- consuming process of checking CDC (source) site to see if any updates were made
Changes your focus to topics CDC doesn�t already cover What does CS do for you? By bringing the schedules onto your site, you keep your visitors on your site.
When the schedules are updated, immediately the schedules on your site are updated.
Because the content is marked with the statement its coming from the CDC, it builds your creditability.
It means you don�t have to constantly check the CDC for any updates.
As soon as you register, select the pages, and add the code to your site, it�s done. Waalaa.
What does CS do for you? By bringing the schedules onto your site, you keep your visitors on your site.
When the schedules are updated, immediately the schedules on your site are updated.
Because the content is marked with the statement its coming from the CDC, it builds your creditability.
It means you don�t have to constantly check the CDC for any updates.
As soon as you register, select the pages, and add the code to your site, it�s done. Waalaa.
6. Why Syndicate with CDC? Wide range of health-related topics
Content automatically updated
Free, quick, and easy
Available in other languages WHY syndicate with CDC?
It�s not just the schedules that we offer�there are hundreds of topics and more are added everyday. And, you can request any page you need.
The best thing about content syndication is that once you set it up, your pages are automatically updated whenever CDC updates it�s content.
Its easy, quick, and free to provide timely, science-based health information for your audiences.
And, topics are available in multiple languages.
We know the work involved with writing content for your sites is not only very labor intensive but the clearance process alone is time-consuming. Why not display creditable content on your site without all the hassle for a few of the topics you either can�t get to or don�t have the resources to cover?
WHY syndicate with CDC?
It�s not just the schedules that we offer�there are hundreds of topics and more are added everyday. And, you can request any page you need.
The best thing about content syndication is that once you set it up, your pages are automatically updated whenever CDC updates it�s content.
Its easy, quick, and free to provide timely, science-based health information for your audiences.
And, topics are available in multiple languages.
We know the work involved with writing content for your sites is not only very labor intensive but the clearance process alone is time-consuming. Why not display creditable content on your site without all the hassle for a few of the topics you either can�t get to or don�t have the resources to cover?
7. Immediate Results Your site�s content is seen as creditable, usable, valuable, accessible, and desirable
You are quickly delivering clear, consistent messages
Your syndicated content is automatically Section 508 compliant
And, your site will be fuller, your visitors will find it more valuable�
By using CDC�s content for some of your text, you�ll be able to avoid problems of inconsistent or confusing content and deliver clear, concise messages to your audiences.
And, probably the biggest time saver is because all CDC content is Section 508 compliant you don�t have to do that work. You may not have heard of Section 508 but it is a federal law that mandates all federal and state sites be Section 508 for those with vision, hearing, and limited hand coordination. This will save you untold hours of work. Did you know that those government sites found not compliant are subject to being sued by those needing these services?
And, your site will be fuller, your visitors will find it more valuable�
By using CDC�s content for some of your text, you�ll be able to avoid problems of inconsistent or confusing content and deliver clear, concise messages to your audiences.
And, probably the biggest time saver is because all CDC content is Section 508 compliant you don�t have to do that work. You may not have heard of Section 508 but it is a federal law that mandates all federal and state sites be Section 508 for those with vision, hearing, and limited hand coordination. This will save you untold hours of work. Did you know that those government sites found not compliant are subject to being sued by those needing these services?
8. Who�s Using this Service? 47 states� health departments
800 partners of all types (educational,non profits and for profits) in 15 countries)
Being used by multiple channels (via web sites, mobile apps, etc.) Can you believe it? CDC first started piloting CS in 2007 �
In 2011 there were 400 partners that had implemented content syndication and this month we have double that number.
Can you believe it? CDC first started piloting CS in 2007 �
In 2011 there were 400 partners that had implemented content syndication and this month we have double that number.
9. State & Local Health Departments Registered for Content Syndication Content syndication is being used and tested in 47 of the 50 U.S. states by State and Local health departments.
States with 0 registrants: NM, WY, and SD
States with 1-3 registrants: AK, AL, AR, HI, IA, LA, ME, MS, ND, NH, RI, SC, VA, VT
States with 4-6 registrants: CO, MI, MN, MT, NV, OK, PA, WV
States with 7-11 registrants: AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI
States with 12-33 registrants: CA, IL, OH, MOContent syndication is being used and tested in 47 of the 50 U.S. states by State and Local health departments.
States with 0 registrants: NM, WY, and SD
States with 1-3 registrants: AK, AL, AR, HI, IA, LA, ME, MS, ND, NH, RI, SC, VA, VT
States with 4-6 registrants: CO, MI, MN, MT, NV, OK, PA, WV
States with 7-11 registrants: AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI
States with 12-33 registrants: CA, IL, OH, MO
10. Why Not Just Link Why not just link to CDC�s pages?
It is okay, but remember to check your links often
You might be thinking�why not just link to CDC�s pages like you do now.
You can and you should point to creditable sources of information when it serves to backup, enhance, reference, or serve as �more information� for your own content.
Linking to other sites helps to put the pieces together to convey information.
But wouldn�t it be better to avoid creating web pages that are simply a laundry list of links. Did you know that web pages with mostly links and little or no content, do NOT get the �search engine results� you need?
You also have to remember to return to the source site to be sure links haven�t gone bad.
You might be thinking�why not just link to CDC�s pages like you do now.
You can and you should point to creditable sources of information when it serves to backup, enhance, reference, or serve as �more information� for your own content.
Linking to other sites helps to put the pieces together to convey information.
But wouldn�t it be better to avoid creating web pages that are simply a laundry list of links. Did you know that web pages with mostly links and little or no content, do NOT get the �search engine results� you need?
You also have to remember to return to the source site to be sure links haven�t gone bad.
11. Why Not Copy Content Why not copy content directly from CDC�s or another site?
Because it will soon become out of date
Time consuming to check source site
Could introduce errors
Search engines �ding� you for copying
Or, you might be thinking�why not copy content
Repeat after me��DO NOT COPY CONTENT� and do NOT COPY PDFs because it soon won�t be up-to-date. In the case of the child and adult schedules, errors are found each year that are fixed. And, if you copied the schedule to your site YOU are multiplying the problem.
It�s time consuming to constantly check the other site to see if the content has been updated.
While copying text, you could introduce errors. We get reports of hundreds of bad links from other sites each week.
AND, if you copy content, search engines will �ding� you for your efforts.
Or, you might be thinking�why not copy content
Repeat after me��DO NOT COPY CONTENT� and do NOT COPY PDFs because it soon won�t be up-to-date. In the case of the child and adult schedules, errors are found each year that are fixed. And, if you copied the schedule to your site YOU are multiplying the problem.
It�s time consuming to constantly check the other site to see if the content has been updated.
While copying text, you could introduce errors. We get reports of hundreds of bad links from other sites each week.
AND, if you copy content, search engines will �ding� you for your efforts.
12. Why is CDC Offering This To ensure accurate information is delivered
To educate
To share knowledge
Why is CDC doing this?
Especially because the schedules are a key to correct vaccine administration it is critical everyone is delivering the same version.
CDC wants to share its information so as to educate the public, health professionals, students, and our shared audiences.
We all want the same thing�the best scientific, creditable information for our visitors!
Okay, if I haven�t convinced you yet, maybe when you see how easy it is, then you�ll decide not only is it worthwhile but you can easily do it.
Why is CDC doing this?
Especially because the schedules are a key to correct vaccine administration it is critical everyone is delivering the same version.
CDC wants to share its information so as to educate the public, health professionals, students, and our shared audiences.
We all want the same thing�the best scientific, creditable information for our visitors!
Okay, if I haven�t convinced you yet, maybe when you see how easy it is, then you�ll decide not only is it worthwhile but you can easily do it.
13. Steps to Syndication For Content Expert (non-techie):
Register at www.cdc.gov/syndication
Sign in
Find web page(s) to syndicate
Add page(s) to �your list�
Confirm your selection(s) Because content syndication sounds technical, many people assume the decision to use syndicated content is a technical one. Actually, this is a communication decision that requires technology to implement. We have found that involving both communications and technology staff in the process helps support communication goals while ensuring the code is placed correctly on your site.
Now, we will walk through the actual steps of syndicating pages. First, we will walk through 5 steps a person takes to register and select the content they want to syndicate. Then, the steps a webmaster takes to put the code on their pages.
These are the 5 steps for the content or communications expert. Register (which you only do once), sign in, find, select, and confirm. Because content syndication sounds technical, many people assume the decision to use syndicated content is a technical one. Actually, this is a communication decision that requires technology to implement. We have found that involving both communications and technology staff in the process helps support communication goals while ensuring the code is placed correctly on your site.
Now, we will walk through the actual steps of syndicating pages. First, we will walk through 5 steps a person takes to register and select the content they want to syndicate. Then, the steps a webmaster takes to put the code on their pages.
These are the 5 steps for the content or communications expert. Register (which you only do once), sign in, find, select, and confirm.
14. Step 1 - Register Registering enables you to syndicate content from the CDC. You�ll be asked to provide your organization and contact info. Upon registering, CDC will provide you with a unique Registration ID that you�ll use to syndicate content with.Registering enables you to syndicate content from the CDC. You�ll be asked to provide your organization and contact info. Upon registering, CDC will provide you with a unique Registration ID that you�ll use to syndicate content with.
15. Step 2 � Sign In Next, you�ll sign in using your email address, password, and the registration ID you were given.Next, you�ll sign in using your email address, password, and the registration ID you were given.
16. Step 3 - Find Content Then, you go about finding the content either by scrolling through by topic or if you know the URL of the web page, you can type it in.Then, you go about finding the content either by scrolling through by topic or if you know the URL of the web page, you can type it in.
17. Step 4 � Add Pages to Your List In this example, I typed a portion of the URL so as to see all the schedules available for CS. Simply, scroll through the listed pages and click �add to list� for each page you want.In this example, I typed a portion of the URL so as to see all the schedules available for CS. Simply, scroll through the listed pages and click �add to list� for each page you want.
18. Step 5 � Review Pages You Selected As you select pages, the counter at the top of the page will tell you how many you�ve selected already. Like a shopping cart in a sense.
Finally, you click �your list� to see all the pages you�ve selected for a final review.
As you select pages, the counter at the top of the page will tell you how many you�ve selected already. Like a shopping cart in a sense.
Finally, you click �your list� to see all the pages you�ve selected for a final review.
19. For your WEB DEVELOPER:
Sign in and go to �your list.�
Click �get syndication code� button.
Create a file on your server named �cdc.js�
Copy and paste Javascript code into the �cdc.js� file.
Paste mark-up code in your page which will show syndicated text and images; be sure to update the path to the cdc.js file.
Web Developer Steps At this point, you can sign out and let the webmaster take over for the next 5 steps. Unless you like to get your fingers in the code.
Probably aren�t any web developers listening in, so I will go thru these quickly.
At this point, you can sign out and let the webmaster take over for the next 5 steps. Unless you like to get your fingers in the code.
Probably aren�t any web developers listening in, so I will go thru these quickly.
20. Copy & Paste Code For each page you selected, you or your web developer will get a block of code to COPY and PASTE into your web page where the CDC content should appear. It may look scary to you, but its extremely easy for the techie working on your site. If you are deemed the �techie�, you can call the help desk and they will walk you through it. So no worries.
For each page you selected, you or your web developer will get a block of code to COPY and PASTE into your web page where the CDC content should appear. It may look scary to you, but its extremely easy for the techie working on your site. If you are deemed the �techie�, you can call the help desk and they will walk you through it. So no worries.
21. Guidelines for Using CDC�s Content Important requirements for syndicating content on your website:
You Must Include the Source: Our content fed to your site includes a line stating the content source is CDC. You cannot remove it. Keeping the source attribute helps to boost the credibility of the content on your site.
You Cannot Alter or Distort the Content�s Meaning: Significantly changing the format and layout can risk changing how your audience understands the content and may pose problems when we make updates to the content on our site. Please make sure content and layout adjustments you make do not change the content�s meaning.
There are 2 things that we ask in return for using CDC�s content.
And that is, that you keep the text that mentions the content is from the CDC. And, that you not alter or change the content�s meaning.There are 2 things that we ask in return for using CDC�s content.
And that is, that you keep the text that mentions the content is from the CDC. And, that you not alter or change the content�s meaning.
22. Need Other Pages? Ask for pages you want to syndicate
If you would like to see other pages syndicated, please request a page to be syndicated (via link on content syndication home page)
Because this is a pilot project there are only a select number of vaccine-related pages currently available for syndication. But you only need to ask and we will add whatever page you want to the list of choices.Because this is a pilot project there are only a select number of vaccine-related pages currently available for syndication. But you only need to ask and we will add whatever page you want to the list of choices.
23. For content questions:
email NCIRDwebTeam@cdc.gov
For a technical issue:email IMTech@cdc.gov
Questions? Let me close by saying, if you decide not to use content syndication or delay using it, please, please link to the schedules and remove your copies of it.
If you have any questions about Content Syndication, contact the NCIRDwebTeam@cdc.gov
If you have any technical questions, send them to imtech@cdc.gov Let me close by saying, if you decide not to use content syndication or delay using it, please, please link to the schedules and remove your copies of it.
If you have any questions about Content Syndication, contact the NCIRDwebTeam@cdc.gov
If you have any technical questions, send them to imtech@cdc.gov