Registries:
Immunization Information Systems
For
PARENTS
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Questions
and Answers for Parents
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General:
Copies
of records, privacy, moving, etc:
Cost
and participation:
- What
are immunization information systems?
Also
known as Immunization Registries, Immunization
Information Systems (IIS) are computer
systems that have information on the shots
that were given to your child. Some IIS
can remind you or your doctor of the next
shot due to keep your child up-to-date
with their immunizations.
- Why
do immunization information systems exist?
The
purpose of the IIS is to make sure that
children have all of their immunizations
and that the information is there when
your doctor needs it. All of the immunizations
given are based on a schedule that tells
providers when certain shots should be
given. The immunization schedule is confusing
and sometimes changes. An IIS helps doctors
decide which shots should be given to your
child and when.
- Why
should I enroll my child in an IIS?
An
IIS:
- Helps
make sure that your child doesn’t
miss any shots or get too many shots.
-
Assists in reminding you by mail or telephone
when your child need shots.
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Allows you to get a copy of your child’s
shot record from the doctor quickly.
-
Makes sure your child has all of the
shots needed to start child care or school.
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- What
information is in an IIS?
Information
in an IIS is different in every state,
but most contain at least the following
information: patient name (first, middle,
and last); patient birth date; patient
sex; patient birth state/country; mother’s
name; the types and dates of vaccines given;
and the date the shot was given.
- How
is my child’s immunization record and
information protected?
State
law requires that information in the IIS
be kept confidential. Only you, your doctor,
or health care workers who can assist you
have access to the information. The information
will not be shared with any other people
or any other agency. If you are not interested
in having your child in the IIS, all you
would need to do is contact your state IIS
and request to “opt-out” of the
registry. To find the IIS in your state,
use this link: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/registry/contact-prog-tech.htm.
- Who
do I contact to see if my child is in an
IIS or if I want a copy of my child’s
immunization record?
CDC
does not have immunization record information
on children. You must contact your provider,
or local or state
immunization program.
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- What
happens to my child’s immunization
record when I move to another state?
Inform
your doctor's office that you are moving
to another state. They will let the IIS know
that you are moving. But first, get a copy
of your child’s shot record from your
doctor before you move and give this record
to your new doctor. If your new doctor participates
in the state IIS, your child's immunization
history will be entered into the system.
- How
much does it cost to participate in my State’s
IIS?
There
is no cost to a patient to participate
in an IIS.
- How
can I find out if my child’s doctor
is participating in the IIS?
Just
ask your doctor if they use the IIS. You
can also contact the IIS in your area to find out if your doctor participates.
For
general immunization-related questions you
also may contact the CDC Information Contact
Center at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
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