A Demand for Data to Improve Outcomes Creates the Why to Move to Third Generation Immunization Information Systems

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Decades of investment have created national immunization registries, improving vaccine accountability and reducing waste.
• Current 2nd-generation Immunization Information Systems (IIS) rely on legacy technology, hindering data utilization and future sustainability.
• Increasingly high-quality data from Electronic Health Records and Pharmacy Management Systems presents an opportunity for enhanced immunization intelligence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the value of national immunization registries and the data they contain.
• To advocate for a collaborative transition from 2nd- to 3rd-generation IIS.
• To propose a new model for public-private investment to sustain national immunization infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• This paper presents the rationale for upgrading IIS technology.
• It emphasizes the need for community collaboration and cost-sharing partnerships.
• A forthcoming paper will detail a model for sustaining and investing in future IIS.

Main Results:

• Current IIS technology is becoming unsustainable with existing funding models.
• There is a significant opportunity to derive greater value from immunization data with updated systems.
• A collaborative, community-driven approach is necessary for successful system migration.

Conclusions:

• Transitioning to 3rd-generation IIS is essential for maximizing data utility and improving public health outcomes.
• Public-private partnerships are key to developing sustainable funding and technology for immunization information systems.
• Modernizing IIS infrastructure will accelerate the impact on vaccine-preventable disease reduction.