CDC will link public health EHRs with immunization tracking system
By Mary MosqueraMonday, February 28, 2011The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to enable the electronic health records (EHRs) of state and local health departments to share data with immunization information systems, and to integrate the immunization systems with CDC’s vaccine tracking system.
Immunization information systems, or registries, receive and share patient data with other systems, such as EHRs. They also can generate reminders and assess vaccination coverage within a defined geographic area. By consolidating immunization history into a single source, it’s easier for providers and parents to assure that children get the vaccines they need and reduce the time required to track immunization records.
All state health departments have some type of immunization information system, but they have a variety of functionality. CDC wants to assure interoperability between these systems and EHRs.
CDC plans to award a contract to provide technical assistance to enable this functionality, including project management, operations and assessment to support CDC grantees’ immunization information systems and to interface with CDC tools, including its vaccine tracking systems, according to a Feb. 24 announcement in Federal Business Opportunities
The Vaccine Tracking System (VTrckS) integrates the publicly-funded vaccine supply chain from purchasing and ordering to distribution of the vaccine. It allows healthcare providers to order vaccines directly. The system evaluates vaccine orders against specific guidelines set by state, local and territorial health department grantees and CDC.
VTrckS went operational in December 2010 with four public health pilots in Michigan, Colorado, Washington State, and Chicago, CDC said.
The agency expects to award the 12-month contract March 31, according to the announcement.
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