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Requesting Immunization Records |
About ImmuNet
ImmuNet is the Maryland State Immunization Information System. ImmuNet is a free, web-based registry which maintains immunization records of persons of all ages in a confidential and secure manner. Article §18–109 of the Code of Maryland (Statutes) established the creation of ImmuNet to collect and store vaccination information.
ImmuNet serves as a repository to aid, coordinate, and promote cost-effective disease prevention and control efforts in Maryland. By two years of age, more than 20% of the children in the U.S. have seen more than one health care provider. As a result, multiple medical records are created and parents often lack a complete and accurate record of their children's immunization status. ImmuNet acts as a connection between multiple providers and tracks which immunizations were given and which ones are needed. ImmuNet helps sustain high immunization rates and low disease levels with more efficient management of information. It will also save money by ensuring that children get only the vaccine they need and improve provider office efficiency by reducing the time needed to gather and review immunization records.
ImmuNet offers many benefits to providers, some of which are listed below. ImmuNet will:
- Consolidate immunization information from multiple providers into a singe record, which can be provided as official immunization records for school, licensed day care center, and camp entry requirements;
- Aid in managing immunizations so children receive only the vaccines they need within the appropriate timeframes;
- Allow providers' offices with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems to submit data without duplicate entry;
- Generate reminder and recalls to send to parents to remind them when their child's immunizations are due or have been missed;
- Decrease time spent by office staff looking for immunization histories from previous providers;
- Assist in the management of vaccine supply and ordering; and
- Generate timely immunization reports to assist with Vaccines for Children (VFC) reporting requirements.
As a result of these immediate benefits, providers will realize many long-term benefits such as a reduction in paperwork, staff time and costs associated with immunization related activities.
ImmuNet help patients by consolidating immunization information into one reliable source. Up-to-date information on their vaccination history helps to prevent unnecessary immunization.
Yes. For journal articles documenting IIS effectiveness, visit CDC's IIS publications database.
VFC providers will be required to use ImmuNet (e.g. to order vaccines) and report immunization data to ImmuNet. This mandate will improve accountability, reduce fraud, waste and abuse.
The VFC mandate for providers to use ImmuNet and report data to ImmuNet will take place on January 2017.
ImmuNet Access and Enrollment
ImmuNet can be accessed by healthcare providers and schools.
You can sign up with our online enrollment form here.
Most computers with reliable internet access are adequate for ImmuNet use. You can ask the ImmuNet Help Desk [need to add hyperlink] to help you evaluate your current system technology and identify any gaps.
No, contact the ImmuNet Help Desk to reset your password and send your login information.
No, ImmuNet is free to healthcare providers and schools. The only cost that may be incurred is associated with maintaining internet access, and implementing an interface in your Electronic Health Records (EHR) system for data exchange.
The VFC mandate for providers to use ImmuNet and report data to ImmuNet will take place on January 2017.
Contact the ImmuNet Help Desk. It is available during regular business hours to address any problems you may be experiencing with ImmuNet. Moreover, this line will be available to receive your comments and suggestions as well.
ImmuNet is available to all users 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ImmuNet staff are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm to assist with any problems or questions.
Patient Data in ImmuNet
Senate Bill 626, the Coordination of Immunization Services Act of 2001, established that ImmuNet is an opt-out system. This means that all immunization information can be entered into ImmuNet unless a parent refuses. Should this happen, a parent must complete the Opt-Out Form to make their child's record inaccessable to ImmuNet authorized users.
No. Data is only to be used for the ongoing care of a current patient, and “browsing” for records of children not in your care is prohibited. Viewing of a new patient’s ImmuNet file is allowed only after a parent or guardian provides the necessary demographic information to access the record.
When data is submitted, ImmuNet has various 'edit checks' and de-duplication processes that are automatically executed to ensure the validity of the data. In some instances, it may be necessary to verify the information with the submitter. Care should be taken that information is entered accurately and completely, which is why electronic data exchange is preferred over manual data entry.
As an Opt Out state, the Law allows authorized parents or guardians to exempt their children from the registry. They will have the responsibility of completing an Opt Out Form [need to add hyperlink] to initiate their request.
ImmuNet meets HIPAA privacy and security requirements. Only providers of immunizations will be able to directly access a patient's immunization records. When searching for a record, the search criteria requires specific and accurate information and search results will yield a limited number of matches in order to protect patient confidentiality. Each user of ImmuNet will have to sign a User Agreement stating that they understand the confidentiality of ImmuNet data and that they will be penalized if they violate that confidentiality or in any way abuse the information to which they have access. Each user of ImmuNet has to have an individual user account and password. All access to the system and every transaction is recorded and such records will be reviewed and audited.
ImmuNet allows providers to print all required immunization certificates. The Code of Maryland Regulations 10.06.03.07 also allow schools to access the Registry to determine a child's immunization status.
Requesting Immunization Records
Currently, ImmuNet does not contain all of Maryland's immunization records since Maryland is an opt out state, and provider participation has been voluntary.
Fill out a Record Request Form here
The Code of Maryland Regulations 10.06.03.07 allow immunization records to be released to authorized users (such as providers, schools, health departments) unless a specific exemption is requested by the person or the person's parent or guardian.
Reporting Data to ImmuNet
Providers can submit data to ImmuNet in a variety of different ways. Methods of sending data include the use of SOAP web service, Secure File Transfer or manual data entry. Formats for sending data electronically can be in standard HL7 or flat file formats. For Meaningful Use (MU), standard HL7 format is required. Providers with Electronic Health Records (EHR) should work with their EHR vendors to automate their electronic data submission.
Providers interested in electronic data exchange with ImmuNet can view the steps for data exchange at the bottom of this page. Step 1 (Registration) is only required if you participate in the CMS EHR Incentive Program. Providers not in the CMS EHR Incentive Program can send data in other ways. If you have an EHR, contact your vendor to help you generate a test file to send to ImmuNet. If you do not have an EHR, let the ImmuNet staff know if you can send your data in a flat file format, or if you need to do manual data entry directly into ImmuNet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain core data elements to be reported to state immunization registries. These data elements include: Patient name, birth date, gender, race, ethnicity, Mother's name, Vaccine type, manufacturer, date and lot number. The specific list of data elements to be reported to ImmuNet can be found here.
Yes, ImmuNet supports bidirectional data exchange capability via web services. The capability include both HL7 QBP (Query by Parameter) and VXQ (Vaccination Query) messages to query ImmuNet in real-time.
Yes, the provider accepts the responsibility for the submission of immunization records and may authorize additional members of the office staff to enter the records.
Yes, any immunization administered can be reported to ImmuNet. ImmuNet will also be a source of information available to consult before administering your tetanus and flu shots, helping to avoid unnecessary duplicates.
VFC providers should report all vaccine data if possible; if you set up electronic reporting from your Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, it is easiest to send all vaccine data than to ask your EHR vendor to filter for specific vaccine data.
CMS EHR Incentive Program and Meaningful Use
The U.S. government introduced the program in 2009 to encourage providers to adopt an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, and show that they are 'meaningfully using' their EHRs. In doing so, eligible providers can receive incentive payments.
'Meaningful Use' means providers need to show they're using certified Electronic Health Records (EHR) technology in ways that can be measured significantly in quality and in quantity. One of the 'measures' of Meaningful Use is to report Immunization data to a state registry from a certified EHR. Providers need to achieve these specific measures to qualify for the CMS EHR Incentive Program.
Visit the CMS website here to learn more about the EHR Incentive Program and Meaningful Use.
Providers can determine their eligibility on this CMS webpage.
Yes, you do not need to participate in the EHR Incentive Program to use ImmuNet or report/send data to ImmuNet.
Go to the DHMH MU webpage to register your intent to send data. Once registered, you can work with your EHR vendor to generate a test file to send to ImmuNet. If your test file passed, you can start sending real patient data to ImmuNet. Your EHR vendor can automate the process so you do not have to do it manually.
Providers who do not administer vaccines can claim an exclusion from the Immunization measure. This means you do not need to submit a test file or any data to ImmuNet.
Vaccines for Children and ImmuNet
Yes, ImmuNet interacts with the VFC program. When a provider utilizes the full capabilities of ImmuNet, the provider is able to manage his or her complete VFC vaccine inventory. The provider will be able to electronically report monthly vaccine usage to the VFC program office.
Yes, if both sites are affiliated with the same organization.