By Gary Wheeler, Director of Immunization Solution Services, Gainwell Technologies
Twitter: @GainwellTech
Immunization information registries have long played a role in public health programs and initiatives; however, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that brought them back into the spotlight.
An immunization information system (IIS), by definition, is a confidential, population-based, computerized database that records all immunization doses administered by participating providers to people residing within a certain geopolitical area. While the pandemic has reminded everyone just how valuable these systems are in supporting public health, it has also revealed the gaps and weaknesses that stand to hold us back and the areas prime for improvement to strengthen immunization programs.
Importance of data accuracy and automation in immunization processes
Immunizations and public health screenings are necessary tools to reduce the occurrence of infectious disease, however, driving effective public health programs and ensuring everyone gets the care that they need depends on access and use of accurate information overall and as the basis of an IIS. When looking at one individual, for example, an IIS gives providers a complete history of immunizations and a timeline of future immunizations required, and when looking at the population, aggregated data from an ISS can be used for disease monitoring, vaccination programs and to identify high-risk communities and resource scarcities to better support health outcomes – making data accuracy behind the scenes extremely critical.
By utilizing data-driven, automated immunization information solutions equipped with advanced analytics capabilities, healthcare organizations can effectively manage and automate processes to improve immunization programs and generate the data-driven insights needed for actionable, effective decision making.
When utilizing a data-driven, intelligent immunization information system solution, organizations can achieve more effective and accurate tracking and administration of immunizations while reducing time-consuming, manual processes. As a result, healthcare authorities are empowered to bring real-time immunization information to the point of care, make informed decisions to improve rates, decrease costs and make public healthcare management and delivery more effective overall.
Tapping into advanced technology is a major part in supporting effective and efficient immunization information systems and registries, yet it is only one piece of the puzzle. Standardizing and modernizing state immunization registries on the legislative level will also play a key role in driving consistent, effective public health programs moving forward. With legislation for standardization in the works, like the development of the 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft, combined with the advancement of underlying technology, immunization programs, public health and population health outcomes will be improved.