Vermont Immunization Registry Overview
The Vermont Immunization Registry (IMR) is a confidential, computerized system for maintaining immunization records. It tracks the dates of immunizations given, prints reports for parents/schools, and provides guidance for timing of vaccine administration.
By two years of age, over 20 percent of children in the U.S. have seen more than one healthcare provider, resulting in scattered paper medical records. Many parents find themselves searching for their own immunization records as well. Parents and providers can use registries as a powerful tool to ensure timely immunizations and proper treatment.
Registries save money by ensuring that patients get only the vaccines that they need. Registries also improve office efficiency by reducing the time needed to gather and review immunization records. And in the case of disease outbreaks or public health emergencies, public health departments can use registries to identify individuals at risk.
How does the Registry benefit health care practices?
- Consolidates vaccinations from all providers into a single record.
- Provides secure, online and accurate immunization records for children coming to your practice for the first time from another provider.
- Prints immunization histories for parents, school nurses, and licensed child care providers without pulling and copying charts.
- Calculates immunizations due for each patient based on age, immunization history and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.
- Produces recall lists and labels for individuals in your practice who are overdue for immunizations.
- Produces useful clinical reports for children, adolescents, and adults like the vaccine coverage report.
- Provides a vaccine forecaster to help providers manage immunization schedules.
How does the Registry benefit parents and children?
- Provides an accurate copy of the child’s immunization history for day care, school or sports.
- Prevents over-immunization or re-scheduled appointments when the patient is in the medical office and records from a previous provider are not available.
Who operates the Immunization Registry?
The IMR was designed, developed, and is operated by the Vermont Department of Health, which contributes its extensive knowledge in health surveillance, vital statistics, technology, and immunization. The IMR was developed with the input and support of many partners committed to improving health care and health in Vermont, including:
- American Academy of Pediatrics – VT Chapter
- VT Academy of Family Physicians
- VT State School Nurse Association
The IMR is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meaningful use and the Immunization Registry
Meaningful Use information is posted on the Vermont Department of Health’s website:
The first step in implementing HL7 data exchange is to contact Vermont’s Health Information Exchange, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL).
To request interface information or inquire about the status of an interface, go to MyVITL and submit a ticket, or contact VITL at 1-877-592-4053.
Who uses the Immunization Registry?
The IMR was first made available to providers in July 2004. As of March 2013, 176 medical practices have access to the IMR.
Some users enter information directly through the online application, while others send monthly batch files. Most school nurses and many licensed or registered child care providers have read-only access to help with vaccine reporting.
What about confidentiality?
Registries were created with the understanding that patient and provider confidentiality is paramount and must be protected. The IMR resides on a secure server and complies with all federal, state, and local laws. Health care providers who wish to access the IMR must sign a confidentiality agreement and obtain a username and password. Use of the IMR is electronically monitored in alignment with Health Information Protection and Portability Act (HIPPA).
How many individuals have records in the Registry?
As of March 1, 2013 there were more than 288,387 records with immunization history. Of those, 129,033 are Registry records of children. 257 practices use the IMR. Most practices serving children use the registry. Recruitment of adult providers began in 2011, and currently 25 adult practices use the IMR.
What do you need to become part of the Registry?
- A computer with Microsoft Internet Explorer Web Browser.
- Internet access (ideally DSL or cable).
- You will need to sign and return a confidentiality statement outlining the rights and responsibilities of registry use, and obtain a username and password.
Learning to use the IMR is easy, and our support team will come to you at your convenience to conduct a training.
Contact our user support line at 1-888-688-4667.
Is the Immunization Registry complicated to use?
User-friendliness was a key goal of the Registry’s design. Because the Registry is web based, there’s no additional software to install. We provide users with a quick guide to basic usage. The quick guide and other support information including an on-line video tutorial is available at IMR User Support Materials.
For information, support, or to enroll in the Registry
Contact the IMR support team:
Tel.: 1-888-688-4667 (toll free)
Email: imr@state.vt.us
Fax: 1-802-652-4157
