BACKGROUND:
Immunization information systems (IIS) are confidential,
population-based computerized databases that
record vaccination doses administered to
persons residing within a given geopolitical area. We sought to highlight the evolution of IIS
policy over the last two decades, as IIS
play a pivotal
role in achieving equitable and high
vaccine uptake.
METHODS:
Legal epidemiological
research methods were used to assess relevant IIS statutes and administrative
codes across all 50 states, the
District of Columbia,
Philadelphia, and
New York City. Where relevant,
laws were cross-checked or supplemented with
state and local
health department
resources. Comparisons to previous legal studies enabled evaluation of
trends in IIS
laws over
time.
RESULTS:
The compilation of current
laws provides an updated overview of the diverse interstate and intrastate
policies within the US that govern the capabilities and implementation of IIS. The findings of this study show the progress that has been made in the past decade in improving
policies that enable IIS to be utilized across the
life-
course. Conversely, gaps in IIS
data collection, limited
interoperability with local and national
health information systems, and inconsistent access to view or utilize IIS
records due to existing
policies, continue to limit the full potential of IIS.
CONCLUSIONS:
In the
United States (US), IIS are implemented and managed at the
state and local level, creating variability in IIS
policies and implementation. Findings from this study serve as a comprehensive
benchmark of current IIS
laws that may
aid policy stakeholders
who are exploring amendments to jurisdictional IIS
laws.