KEYWORDS:
Resources, Immunization Registry, Communication
BACKGROUND:
The Immunization Registry Information Source (IRIS) was introduced in 1997 as an electronic immunization registry, tracking and recalling system for the northeastern counties of New York State. Grant funds are used to support the continued development and implementation of IRIS, but the success of the program also depends heavily on other resources - within both the organization and the participating counties.
OBJECTIVE(S):
To describe the resources used to implement an effective immunization registry that will provide accurate immunization data to registry participants.
METHOD(S):
IRIS has worked collaboratively with representatives from county public health departments, private primary care and pediatric offices, community health centers and other health agencies. Along with software programming consultants, these collaborations have assisted us with software design and upgrades, implementation, and introduction of the program into new facilities.
RESULT(S):
As a result of the resources used to support the immunization registry, we have expanded into nine additional counties and continue to obtain valuable feedback from registry participants.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
Supporting a successful immunization registry ultimately requires maintaining open communication with registry participants. Since they are on the "front lines", they are the best resources to help us improve the program. It allows us to compare common areas of success and challenges, as well as the different needs from facility to facility.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will understand the resources used to sustain an immunization registry and the importance of having system users as a resource for problem solving and other helpful information.
Back to Grow: Resources and Funding — Part II
Back to Contributed Papers
Back to The 2002 Immunization Registry Conference of CDC