Initiative on Immunization Registries

Immunization registries are confidential, population-based

computerized systems that contain information regarding children\'s

vaccinations. Registries provide a critical tool for increasing and

sustaining vaccination coverage. A national health objective for

2010 is to increase to 95% the proportion of children aged <6

years who participate in fully operational population-based

immunization registries. According to 2000 data, 24% of U.S.

children are participating in population-based immunization

registries. In 1998, to facilitate community- and state-based

immunization registry development in the United States, the

National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) launched the Initiative

on Immunization Registries. Through public hearings and parent

focus groups, NVAC identified four concerns that needed to be

addressed to increase registry participation: a) protecting each

person\'s privacy and the confidentiality of registry information;

b) ensuring participation of vaccination providers and recipients;

c) overcomingtechnical and operational challenges; and d)

determining resources needed to develop and maintain immunization

registries. In January 1999, NVAC approved the report Development

of Community- and State-Based Immunization Registries (available at

; accessed July 30, 2001). The following report summarizes

NVAC\'s recommendations and describes CDC\'s National Immunization

Program activities in response to NVAC\'s recommendations.