Immunization Information System and Informatics to Promote Immunizations: Perspective From Minnesota Immunization Information Connection

Abstract

The vision for management of immunization information is availability of real-time consolidated data and services for all ages, to clinical, public health, and other stakeholders. This is being executed through Immunization Information Systems (IISs), which are population-based and confidential computerized systems present in most US states and territories. Immunization Information Systems offer many functionalities, such as immunization assessment reports, client follow-up, reminder/recall feature, vaccine management tools, state-supplied vaccine ordering, comprehensive immunization history, clinical decision support/vaccine forecasting and recommendations, data processing, and data exchange. This perspective article will present various informatics tools in an IIS, in the context of the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection.

National Immunization Program Information System: implementation context assessment

“…Interoperability is the HIS capability of working together independently of organizational limits, sharing information in and effective and efficient way, aiming at progressing to the effective provision of healthcare to individuals and communities [2,33]. Other HISs of countries such as Canada, England and the United States of America (USA) are also considered technological innovations that hold many functionalities, among which there is data protection through the use of several servers, what makes databases reliable and interoperability still rudimentary [5,34].…”

“…HIS in the USA performs vaccination coverage analysis both from area and age of patients under coverage, and from individual vaccination records, similarly to the Brazilian HIS under study (SIPNI). Moreover, that information system in the USA has some additional functions in relation to SIPNI, which allow patients to follow their vaccination status through reminders and notifications about the next vaccine doses to be administered, showing the list of vaccines provided by the State and supporting clinical decisions for vaccinations through algorithms of vaccine prediction, based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP) [5].…”

“…Among existing information systems, those that are able to prioritize and manage data related to immunization are especially noteworthy. Immunization Information Systems (IIS) used since the 1970s in the United States of America (USA) seek to support services in the planning and decision-making of vaccination activities [4,5]. These are considered confidential, population-based devices whose purpose is to group, keep, and consolidate information to subsidize immunization actions at different levels of health care, especially at local levels [4].…”

Factors related to the adoption of the Brazilian National Immunization Program Information System

“…Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) is considered one of the main IIS in the United States. To maintain system excellence, a continuous quality improvement process is carried out, which involves an interactive discussion, sharing regarding immunization rates and education to use MIIC [26]. In Brazil, important advances have been made, which enhances the adoption and use of NIPIS, such as the expansion of internet access with adequate quality and speed, which allows complete and correct vaccination records, with electronic access in real time in all Brazilian municipalities.…”

Acceptance and use of the Information System of the National Immunization Program*

“…Computerized Immunization Systems (Sistemas Informatizados de Imunização, SIIs) are important tools for evaluating and monitoring immunization programs, both at local and national levels, by providing up-todate data (1)(2)(3) and their use promotes equity of access to immunobiological agents and identification of low coverage pockets (4) .…”