Common Questions about ALERT IIS
What is ALERT IIS?
Immunization Information Systems (IIS) are public health systems that maintain electronic vaccination records, managed by health departments in states, territories, counties, and cities. Each of the systems collects and shares data across multiple healthcare organizations, clinics, and pharmacies in a jurisdiction. IIS provide a consolidated record of administered vaccines, connecting participating providers with patients' complete vaccination history. Access to this data is critical for maintaining accurate patient records across multiple point-of-care providers.
Immunization Information Systems are maintained and managed by public health entities that are funded by the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) cooperative agreement. The United States currently has 64 jurisdictions, including all 50 states, a few metropolitan areas, and several current and former U.S. territories.
ALERT IIS is the system used in the State of Oregon and helps medical providers, health departments, schools and health plans reach those in need of immunizations in the State of Oregon.
What data is in ALERT IIS?
ALERT IIS compiles immunization information on individuals of all ages, but it has the most data on people born after the mid-1990s. Initially ALERT IIS was focused on children, but legislation that went into effect in 2008 allowed ALERT IIS to expand to all ages. This allows adults to have access to their immunization record for college, employment, travel or other purposes.
All organizations in Oregon who participate in state vaccine programs, all pharmacies, and all dentists are required to report immunizations to ALERT IIS. Other organizations are not required to report immunizations to ALERT IIS, but we recommend that they do.
Additionally, ALERT IIS shares immunization data with Oregon located Veteran Health Administration clinics, Nevada's IIS, and New Mexico's IIS.
How is ALERT IIS used?
People use their ALERT IIS immunization records to show proof for school, employment and travel immunization requirements.
Health care providers use ALERT IIS to consolidate immunization records for new and existing patients to easily see what immunizations patient needs.
School and Child Cares use ALERT IIS to determine if students have required immunizations for attendance.
Public health officials use ALERT IIS data to develop programs that increase vaccination coverage and decrease the harm caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.
Who has access to ALERT IIS information?
By law, only authorized users are allowed to access immunization information in ALERT IIS. Authorized users included, but not limited to health care providers, local health departments, health plans, schools and child care facilities. Health care providers may only obtain information on their own patients. Schools and childcare facilities may only access records on their enrollees.
How does ALERT IIS protect health information?
ALERT IIS is kept private and secure and follows Oregon IT security standards. It uses strong security tools like passwords, encryption, and activity tracking to keep data safe. It also limits who can see the information and trains staff on how to handle data properly. There are regular risk checks, strong data backup systems, and quick response plans for cyberattacks. This helps make sure the information stays private and secure.
Who pays for ALERT IIS?
ALERT IIS was originally funded through a public and private partnership, with a portion of the funding from the State of Oregon and federal partners and the remainder from private providers and health plans. Currently the funding is from the State of Oregon and federal agencies including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
How do I get my immunizations records from ALERT IIS?
Adults may obtain their own immunization record, and parents or guardians may obtain their minor child's immunization record. Instructions on requesting immunization records can be found on our website.
Can a person request to have their data removed from ALERT IIS?
Adults over 18 years of age have the right to request that their record be either sealed, so authorized users cannot access it, or purged from the information system altogether. Adults can request this by completing a form and mailing it, along with a photocopy of approved identification, to the Oregon Immunization Program.
Children's records may be sealed only in circumstances specified by Oregon law. Parents or legal guardians must provide documentation of their child's circumstances. Upon approval, the record will be sealed until the child reaches 18 years of age. At that point, the adult may request that their record be unsealed or, with no action, the record will continue to be sealed.