Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
Participants will learn about the 1) basics of HL7, 2) steps to creating an HL7 profile 3) use of an HL7 message profile

Background:
The creation of a statewide immunization information system in California is made challenging by the state's large population and area. California's nine regional immunization registries currently have records on 25% of children 0-6 years. An HL7-based data integration center will allow California's immunization registries to share information. This presentation will discuss the creation of a common HL7 profile for the regional immunization registries, which use six different softwares.

Objectives:
Understand how HL7 can be used to integrate immunization registries.

Methods:
Review of the creation of an HL7 profile for California's immunization registries

Results:
A common HL7 profile for California's immunization registries and a documented process for its creation.

Conclusions:
While HL7 is a national standard which can link immunization registries, customization and multiple decisions must be made to design and implement HL7 solutions. The process of creating a common HL7 profile in California has implications to state-to-state sharing of immunization data.