Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to return to their organizations and develop strategies for integrating early warning, disease reporting and outbreak management systems with immunization registries.


Background:
Immunization registries provide a significant source of information to support communicable disease case and outbreak management. Electronically linking new disease reporting systems with immunization registries provides case managers and decision makers with real time information to minimize the impact of VPD and/or pandemic our bioterrorism related outbreaks.


Setting:
Regional or state public health organizations responsible for disease reporting, investigation and management.


Population:
Individuals, families and communities impacted by disease


Project Description:
A concept, design, and resource requirement will be presented that establishes an automated link between disease reporting and immunization information systems. The presentation will include both technical and programmatic processes and the use of standards such as PHIN, to facilitate these links. An example and lessons learned will be presented from the State of West Virginia along with recommendations.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Electronic notification of a reportable VFD to the immunization program office as well as electronic notification of the risks based upon immunization coverage rates to the disease prevention program serves to facilitate communication, minimize patient and population risks and validates the benefits of information sharing between public health and the provider community. This specific linkage is a significant benefit to new initiatives in pandemic preparedness and outbreak management.