How to Cite CDC in APA Format

Complete guide to citing CDC in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

CDC presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling CDC's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

🔍 Try It Out

Paste a citation to check its CDC formatting

Quick Reference: CDC Citations

Reference List Format:
Agency Name. (Year). Title of report (Report No. XXX, if available). Publisher. https://www.example.gov/report

CDC-Specific Notes:
Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in APA 7th edition involves some distinct nuances compared to citing other government agencies. Typically, when citing a government agency without individual authors, the name of the agency is used as the author. However, for the CDC, you should use the full name "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author in the first citation, and then you can use the abbreviation "CDC" in subsequent citations. This practice aligns with APA guidelines, which recommend using abbreviations after the first citation for lengthy organization names to improve readability.

A common point of confusion arises with the publication date and the retrieval date. For online CDC content that is updated frequently, include a retrieval date, formatted as "Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL," because the content may change over time. This differs from standard citation rules where a retrieval date is typically unnecessary. Additionally, when citing a specific report or webpage, students often mistakenly use the homepage URL. Instead, they should ensure they cite the specific page URL to direct readers accurately to the source material.

To avoid mistakes, students should carefully check the publication and last update dates on the CDC webpage and ensure they are citing the latest version. They should also familiarize themselves with how to format the agency's name and abbreviations correctly. By double-checking these elements, students can ensure their citations are both accurate and compliant with APA standards.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Government Report format with CDC specifics
- Locate citation info on CDC's website
- Handle CDC's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-29 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Jump to Examples | Jump to Common Issues | Check Your Citation

Where to Find Citation Information on CDC

When utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for academic research, it's essential to correctly cite the information you gather. The CDC website is a reputable source for health-related information, and understanding how to extract citation details is crucial for academic integrity. Below is a step-by-step guide on locating citation information on the CDC website.

Author Information

On the CDC website, the author of a page or article is not always clearly listed, which can be unique compared to other sources. Many pages are authored by the CDC as an organization, which is often acceptable for citation purposes. If an individual author is listed, you will typically find this information at the top of the article or page, usually near the title or introduction. If no specific author is mentioned, use "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author in your citation.

Publication Date

The publication date on the CDC website is usually found underneath the title of the article or at the top of the content. Sometimes, it might also be placed at the end of the article or in the footer of the page. The date might be labeled as "Last reviewed" or "Last updated," which you should use as the publication date in your citation. Note that this date reflects the most recent update to the page, which is vital in ensuring you are using the most current information.

Title of the Article

The title of the article or the specific page you are referencing is typically located at the top of the page, directly above the main content. Make sure to use the full title as it appears on the website for your citation. The title often provides a clear and concise summary of the page's content.

URL/Access Information

The URL of the page you are citing is crucial for your references. This can be found in the browser's address bar. The CDC's URLs are generally static and can be copied directly into your citation. Ensure you copy the entire URL to maintain the accuracy of your citation. When referencing a specific section of the CDC website, ensure the URL points directly to that page to facilitate easy access for readers.

Practical Tips

By closely following these steps, you can ensure that your citations from the CDC website are comprehensive and meet academic standards.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your CDC Citation

How to Create a CDC Citation in APA Format

Creating a citation for reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires attention to detail and adherence to specific formatting rules. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure that your citation is correctly formatted according to APA style.

What You Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify the Report You Want to Cite
    - Action: Navigate to the CDC website and locate the specific report you wish to cite.
    - Verification: Ensure you have the correct title and content of the report. Take notes on the full title and any relevant details such as the publication year.
    - Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes
    - Tip: Use the search function on the CDC website to quickly find the report you need.

  2. Gather Basic Information
    - Action: Collect the following details from the report: the publishing agency name, year of publication, title of the report, report number (if available), and the URL.
    - Verification: Double-check that you have all the necessary information. The title should be in italics.
    - Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes
    - Tip: Keep a checklist of the information you need to ensure nothing is missed.

  3. Format the Agency Name
    - Action: Write the agency name as it appears in the report. For the CDC, it will be "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
    - Verification: Confirm that the agency name is correctly spelled and formatted.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes
    - Tip: Make sure to use the full name instead of abbreviations.

  4. Include the Year of Publication
    - Action: Identify the year the report was published and write it in parentheses right after the agency name.
    - Verification: Ensure the year is correct and is set in parentheses.
    - Time Estimate: 1 minute
    - Tip: If the publication date is not clear, check the report’s front page or citation section.

  5. Write the Title of the Report
    - Action: Write the title of the report in italics. Capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns.
    - Verification: Confirm that the title is accurately transcribed and properly formatted.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: Ensure there are no typos in the title.

  6. Add the Report Number (if available)
    - Action: If the report includes a report number, include it in parentheses after the title, formatted as "Report No. XXX."
    - Verification: Check to see if the report number is clearly stated in the document.
    - Time Estimate: 2 minutes
    - Tip: Not all reports will have a report number, so only include this if applicable.

  7. Include the Publisher and URL
    - Action: Following the report number, write "Publisher" and then the URL where the report can be found. The publisher for CDC reports is typically the agency itself.
    - Verification: Ensure the URL is correct and leads directly to the report.
    - Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes
    - Tip: Use a URL shortener if the link is excessively long, but ensure it still directs to the right page.

  8. Compile Everything into One Citation
    - Action: Combine all the pieces of information into one complete citation, following the APA format. It should look like this:

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Year). Title of report (Report No. XXX, if available). Publisher. https://www.example.gov/report
    • Verification: Reread your completed citation to ensure it meets APA guidelines.
    • Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    • Tip: Use citation management tools or citation templates found online to compare and ensure accuracy.

Example Citation

Here is an example of what a completed citation might look like:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring (Report No. 123). Publisher. https://www.cdc.gov/covid19/vaccine-safety

By following these steps, you will be able to create accurate citations for CDC reports in APA format. Remember to double-check each part of your citation to ensure clarity and correctness. Happy citing!

Real Examples from CDC

This section provides authentic citation examples from CDC using recent publications from 2023-2024.

To provide accurate guidance, I will create hypothetical examples based on the typical structure found on the CDC website, as I cannot access the web to pull real-time data or confirm the existence of specific articles. Here is how you might cite different types of content from the CDC in APA 7th edition format:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description:
A CDC scientist publishes a report on the effects of a new vaccine developed in 2023.

Reference List Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Impact of the new ZYX vaccine on influenza rates (Report No. 12345). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine/zyx/effects.html

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) discusses the impact of the new ZYX vaccine...

Noteworthy or Unique Aspects:
This example highlights a standard report authored by a CDC scientist. The title is italicized, and the report number is included, emphasizing the specific document's identification.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description:
A general guideline document published by the CDC related to COVID-19 safety measures.

Reference List Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). COVID-19 safety and prevention guidelines. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/covid19/safety-guidelines.html

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023)...

Noteworthy or Unique Aspects:
Here, the CDC acts as the corporate author, typical for guideline documents. The publisher is the same as the author, which is common for government documents.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description:
A collaborative study conducted by multiple CDC researchers on the mental health effects of the pandemic.

Reference List Citation:
Smith, J., Doe, A., & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive study. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/covid19-study.html

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Smith, Doe, & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
Smith, Doe, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) conducted a study on...

Noteworthy or Unique Aspects:
The inclusion of named individual authors alongside the CDC as a corporate author illustrates a collaborative work, requiring the full list of authors in the citation.

Example 4: Special Formatting Cases

Scenario Description:
An infographic published by the CDC illustrating key statistics on adolescent health in 2023.

Reference List Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Adolescent health statistics 2023 [Infographic]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/health/adolescent/statistics.html

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
The infographic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) illustrates...

Noteworthy or Unique Aspects:
This example shows how to cite non-textual formats, such as infographics, which are increasingly common and important for data visualization.

These examples demonstrate how to format citations for various types of content from the CDC, while adhering to APA 7th edition guidelines.

Common Issues When Citing CDC

When citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in APA 7th edition, students often face unique challenges due to the organization's structure and the nature of its publications. Below are some common citation issues and solutions.

Identifying the Author

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to correctly identify the author when citing CDC sources. This is because CDC publications may not always list individual authors, and the organization itself often serves as the corporate author.

Why It Happens:
CDC publications frequently lack individual authorship due to the collaborative nature of their content, which is typically produced by teams or departments within the CDC.

Solution:
When no individual author is listed, use "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author. If a specific department or group within the CDC is responsible for the document, include that as part of the author name.

Example:
- Before: Incorrectly citing with an imagined author.
- Smith, J. (2023). How to prevent flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- After: Using CDC as the author.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). How to prevent flu. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html

Date Formats

Issue Description:
Determining the correct date to use can be confusing, especially when multiple dates are present, such as the last updated date and the publication date.

Why It Happens:
The CDC often updates its online content, which leads to multiple dates appearing on their pages. Students may not be sure which date to use for citation purposes.

Solution:
Use the most recent update date available. If only the year is provided, use that. If a specific date is provided (month, day, year), use the full date.

Example:
- Before: Using the wrong date or omitting it.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). COVID-19 updates.
- After: Using the most recent update date.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 15). COVID-19 updates. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/updates.html

Handling URLs

Issue Description:
Students may incorrectly cite URLs, either by omitting them, truncating them, or failing to link directly to the specific page referenced.

Why It Happens:
CDC URLs can be long and complex, and students might be tempted to simplify them for readability, leading to incorrect citations.

Solution:
Always use the full URL provided in the browser's address bar, ensuring it leads directly to the specific page cited. Do not shorten or alter the URL.

Example:
- Before: Truncating the URL.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives. https://www.cdc.gov
- After: Providing the complete URL.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Misunderstanding the need for access dates or retrieval dates in citations.

Why It Happens:
Students may be confused about when to include a retrieval date, as APA 7th edition guidelines on this are specific and not always intuitive.

Solution:
Include a retrieval date only if the content is likely to change over time, such as live data or frequently updated pages. For stable documents, a retrieval date is unnecessary.

Example:
- Before: Incorrectly adding a retrieval date for a stable document.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Childhood vaccines. Retrieved October 20, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate.html
- After: Omitting the retrieval date for stable content.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Childhood vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate.html

By understanding and applying these solutions, students can more accurately and confidently cite CDC sources in their academic work, adhering to APA 7th edition guidelines.

Note: For general Government Report citation errors, see How to Cite Government Report.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDC

Q: How do I find the necessary citation information on the CDC's website?

A: To find citation information on the CDC's website, look for the "About" or "Contact" page of the specific report or webpage. Scroll to the bottom of the page where publication or update dates are often listed, and use the page's title and URL for your citation.

Q: How should I handle the author format when citing a CDC webpage?

A: When citing a CDC webpage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considered the author. Use "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author in your reference list, followed by the publication year.

Q: How do I format the publication date when the CDC provides a range or multiple dates?

A: Use the most specific date available. If the CDC page lists both a "last reviewed" and "last updated" date, choose the most recent. Format the date as (Year, Month Day) if specific, or just (Year) if only the year is provided.

Q: Are there specific URL and access date requirements for citing CDC sources?

A: Include the full URL in your citation to direct readers to the exact page. As of APA 7th edition, access dates are not required unless the content is likely to change over time, which is rare for CDC pages.

Q: How does citing a CDC report differ from other government reports in APA?

A: While the basic format is similar, CDC reports often have the organization as the primary author and may include specific health statistics or guidelines. Always ensure the organization is credited as the author, and check for any additional report numbers or series titles unique to the CDC.

Similar Source Types:

Validation Guides:

Need More Help?

Still Have Questions?

If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, try our citation checker tool or browse all APA guides.

Quick Check Your Citation

Validate APA formatting instantly