Updated AAP Policy Statement Urges Resources for Immunization System Data

In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to support the development and use of immunization information systems as an important tool to provide quality health care for children. The statement, “Immunization Information Systems” is published in the October journal of Pediatrics (posted online Monday, Sept. 19, 2022) and was developed by the Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, Council on Clinical Information Technology, and Section on Early Career Physicians.

Immunization information systems are confidential, computerized, population-based systems that collect and consolidate immunization data from vaccination providers. The need to develop these registries became apparent, in part, after a nationwide measles epidemic from 1989-1991, which resulted in more than 55,000 cases, 123 deaths, and 11,000 hospitalizations. One of the main drivers of this epidemic was the incomplete immunization of many preschool-aged children. At the time, less than 65% of children under 5 were fully vaccinated.

In the past decade, public health crises and new data have shown the importance and value of these information systems in society and clearly demonstrate the functionality and benefits of these systems beyond the basic immunization database intended to improve childhood immunization rates.

“Immunization information systems have improved access to an individual's immunization history, helping to broaden protection from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Jesse Hackell, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement. “Further improvements will make this information available whenever and wherever a person seeks care, which will benefit both individual and public health.”

These systems serve a critical and vital public health function, especially in times of crisis, the statement notes. Adequate and assured resources and funding, ideally provided to states on a uniform basis by the federal government, should support continued development and use, the authors argue.