Accuracy of a state immunization registry in the pediatric emergency department

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether either parental recall or a state immunization registry was as accurate as the medical record in determining immunization status in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: A convenience sample of children younger than 5 years who presented to the ED between July 2004 and May 2005 were enrolled prospectively. After obtaining informed consent, parents were asked about their child's immunization status. All children then had their immunization data accessed in the Arizona State Immunization Information System. The information obtained from the state registry, as well as the information from the parental interview, was then compared with the information on the medical record obtained from the primary care physician (PCP). Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics.