Immunization Information Systems
QUESTIONS PROVIDERS ASK ABOUT 
IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS

What are Immunization Information Systems?
Also known as Immunization Registries, Immunization Information Systems, or IIS, are confidential, computerized information systems that attempt to collect vaccination data about all children within a geographic area. If an IIS includes all children in a given geographical area and all providers are reporting immunization information, it can provide a single data source for all community immunization partners. 

What can an IIS do for my practice?
An IIS simplifies immunization record keeping, provides quicker access to immunization records, and helps you keep track of a patient’s immunization status. IIS can also help you: easily find immunizations for children new to your practice, provide official copies of immunization records with the touch of a button, reduce or eliminate chart pulls needed for coverage assessments and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) reviews, and facilitate routine doses administered reports required by some states for vaccine accountability.

What will participation in an IIS cost my practice?
There is no charge for providers to use an IIS, although incorporating use of the IIS into your office’s daily procedures will take an initial investment of time and effort.

Is reporting to an IIS subject to the HIPAA Privacy rule?
No. Reporting of immunizations to an IIS are exempt from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule since it is considered a public health activity. 

How is information in the IIS kept confidential?
IIS must protect the privacy of all users, including children, families, and providers. According to standards set by CDC, all IIS are required to have a written privacy policy that clearly defines notice of inclusion in the IIS, access to, and use and disclosure of IIS data. For more information, ask the IIS in your area for a copy of their confidentiality policy.

Can the IIS exchange data withmy billing software or electronic medical records? 
Many IIS have the ability to electronically exchange data with clinical systems including electronic medical records. The capacity and direction of this exchange depends on the technical capacity of the electronic medical record system and the IIS. Many state and local IIS use the industry standard Health Level 7 (HL7) protocol to exchange this type of patient’s immunization information. Others may use batch file exports to an IIS. Contact your software vendor and the IIS in your area to learn more about their capacity for electronic data exchange.

What type of equipment do I need to electronically link with an IIS? 
Exchanging immunization information with an IIS can be done in a variety of different ways. IIS typically require internet access. The computer application used in the practice should have the ability to create an interface file that conforms to a standard exchange format. Depending on the type of clinical application and the clinical workflow the IIS may be accessible directly from within the clinical application. Additional software may be necessary for authentication, encryption, and sending the file to the IIS. IIS and clinical applications are working to find solutions to reduce the burden of multiple data entry.

Do IIS really help improve immunization?
Yes. For journal articles documenting IIS effectiveness, visit CDC’s IIS publications database:  www2a.cdc.gov/nip/IIS/IISPubs/IISPubsMain.asp  

What do other healthcare providers think about IIS?
Policy Statements and Letters of Support or Endorsement of IIS have been written by the following organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, National Association of Pediatric Nurses, Associates and Practitioners, National Medical Association.

Where can I learn more about IIS?
• CDC’s Immunization Information Systems web site: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/default.htm
• American Immunization Registry Association: www.immregistries.org/
• Every Child By Two: www.ecbt.org/registries/ 

This document can be found on the CDC website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/downloads/IIS-flyer-06-04-08.rtf