Frequently Asked Questions -- GovDelivery

Q: How does GovDelivery® work?

A: GovDelivery® is a Web-based e-mail subscription management system that allows you to subscribe to news and information on the FDA  Web site. You select specific pages and topics that interest you. Whenever information is updated on those pages, you receive an e-mail alert that the pages have changed. You may customize and manage your subscription profile in order to receive exactly the types of information you desire, and you may cancel your subscriptions at any time.

Q: What is a “profile,” and why do I need to establish one?

A: A profile consists of your e-mail address and the items and categories for which you wish to receive e-mail updates. Your profile is necessary so that FDA can keep track of your subscriptions and send you the appropriate e-mail updates. You can change your profile at any time by adding or deleting subscriptions, changing the frequency of e-mail notices (“digest”), or changing your e-mail address.

To access your profile: At the bottom of each e-mail you receive is a section called "Manage Your FDA Subscriptions".  You can change your email address by clicking on the link in that section called "Manage Your Subscriptions or Unsubscribe". 

Q: How often will I receive e-mail notices?

A: You will receive e-mail notices whenever information has been changed on the FDA Web page(s) to which you subscribe. If you want to receive an e-mail immediately when information changes on any of the pages in your profile, you should select “Send immediately” under the “Change E-mail Frequency Preference” option. If you prefer to receive fewer e-mails, you may select one of the “digest” options to receive the e-mail notices from all of your subscriptions in one daily, weekly, or monthly e-mail.

Q: Whom do I ask if I have a question about a specific program area?

A: If you are having technical difficulties with subscribing to an item or accessing your profile, you can e-mail the GovDelivery® support staff. If you have questions about a specific program area, you can contact the various program areas on our Contact FDA page.

Q: How will my e-mail address be used?

A: Your e-mail address will be used only to keep a record of your subscriptions and send you the e-mail updates you request. Your e-mail address will never be sold or used for commercial purposes. Please see FDA’s Privacy Policy for more information.

Q: My e-mail address is changing.  Can I receive updates at my new address?

A: You can change your e-mail address at any time. 

At the bottom of each e-mail you receive is a section called "Manage Your FDA Subscriptions".  You can change your email address by clicking on the link in that section called "Manage Your Subscriptions or Unsubscribe". On that page is a section called E-mail Address.

Q: I subscribed to receive e-mail alerts, but I haven’t gotten any yet. Why not?

A: You should receive a “New Subscriber” e-mail as soon as you subscribe for each item you select. To ensure that you receive your subscription e-mails from FDA, please add us to your contact list, adjust your Spam settings, or follow the instructions from your e-mail provider on how to prevent our e-mails from being marked "Spam" or "Junk Mail."

If you received the “New Subscriber” e-mail, but have not received anything further, the item(s) you selected may not have changed recently, and there has been no need to notify you. If you have further questions or need assistance, you can e-mail GovDelivery ® support staff.