How to Cite a Government Press Release in APA Format- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Cite a Government Press Release APA

Citing a government press release in APA format is an essential skill for researchers, journalists, and anyone who needs to reference official communications from government entities. Proper citation not only gives credit to the source but also ensures that readers can easily locate the original document. This article will guide you through the process of citing a government press release in APA format, including the necessary elements and format.

Understanding the APA Format

The APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. When citing a government press release, it is important to follow the specific guidelines for this type of source. The APA format typically includes the following elements:

1. Author: The name of the government entity or the individual issuing the press release.
2. Date: The date of the press release.
3. Title: The title of the press release.
4. Source: The title of the government entity or the website where the press release is found.
5. URL: The URL of the specific page where the press release is located.

Example of a Cited Government Press Release

To illustrate the process, let’s consider the following example of a government press release:

Author: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Date: January 15, 2023
Title: “COVID-19 Vaccination Update: New Recommendations for Booster Shots”
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
URL: https://www.hhs.gov/news/press-releases/2023/01/15/covid-19-vaccination-update-new-recommendations-booster-shots.html

Citing the Government Press Release in APA Format

To cite this government press release in APA format, follow these steps:

1. Begin with the author’s name, followed by the date of the press release.
2. Include the title of the press release in quotation marks.
3. Next, provide the source of the press release, which is the name of the government entity.
4. Finally, include the URL of the specific page where the press release is located.

The APA citation for the example above would be:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2023, January 15). “COVID-19 Vaccination Update: New Recommendations for Booster Shots” (Press release). Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/news/press-releases/2023/01/15/covid-19-vaccination-update-new-recommendations-booster-shots.html

Conclusion

Citing a government press release in APA format is a straightforward process that involves gathering the necessary information and following the specific guidelines. By doing so, you can ensure that your work is accurate, credible, and easily accessible to others. Remember to always check for the most recent APA guidelines, as they may be updated periodically.