Vermont Immunization Registry Overview
The Vermont Immunization Registry (IMR) is a confidential, computerized system for maintaining childhood 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. Parents and providers can use registries as a powerful tool to ensure that the child receives timely immunizations and proper treatment.
Registries save money by ensuring that each child will 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 children at risk.
- Immunization Registry Brochure - 272 KB, 4 pgs
How does the Vermont Immunization 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 and school nurses 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 call lists and labels for children in your practice who are overdue for immunizations.
- Produces useful clinical reports like monthly shot counts and vaccine usage reports.
How does the Vermont Immunization Registry benefit parents and children?
- Provides an immediate link to a child’s immunization history.
- Prevents over-immunization or re-scheduled appointments when child is in the medical office and records from a previous provider are not accessible.
- Provides an accurate copy of the child’s immunization history when needed for day care, school, or sports.
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 interested in improving health care and health in Vermont.
Our stakeholders include:
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Vermont Chapter
- Vermont Academy of Family Physicians
- Vermont State School Nurse Association
The IMR is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Who uses the Immunization Registry?
The first version of the IMR was released to providers in July 2004. As of January 2007, seventy-two health care provider practices that provide vaccines to children have access to the IMR. In addition, we have one hospital clinic with access, and several others planning to apply for access soon.
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 (HIPAA).
How many children have records in the Registry?
As of January 1, 2007, there were 62,137 children with records in the Registry. More than half of all Vermont children under the age of seven have immunization histories in the IMR. Three counties, Caledonia, Franklin, and Essex, have more than 60 percent of their children aged seven and under in the IMR.
What do you need to become part of the Registry?
- A computer with MS Explorer browser.
- Internet access, ideally DSL or cable.
- You will need to sign a confidentiality statement outlining the rights and responsibilities of registry use, and obtain a user name and password.
Learning to use the IMR is easy, and our support team will come to you at your convenience to conduct the training. We also conduct regional user group meetings for users interested in optimizing their use of the IMR.
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 16 page quick guide to walk them through basic usage. The quick guide and other support materials including an on-line tutorial are also available through the documents link on this website.
What if I have questions or need help?
The IMR support team is available during regular work hours via a toll free phone number (1-888-688-4667) or by email at imr@vdh.state.vt.us
How do I enroll in the Vermont Immunization Registry?
Call us anytime at (1-888-688-4667) or email us at imr@vdh.state.vt.us
