Work

An Education in Contrast: State-by-State Assessment of School Immunization Records Requirements

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the complexities of school-related immunization policies, their relation to immunization information systems (IIS) and immunization registries, and the historical context to better understand this convoluted policy system. METHODS: We used legal databases (Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw) to identify school immunization records policies for 50 states, 5 cities, and the District of Columbia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "grantees"). The original search took place from May to September 2010 (cross-referenced in July 2013 with the list on http://www.immunize.org/laws ). We describe the requirements, agreement with IIS policies, and penalties for policy violations. RESULTS: We found a complex web of public health, medical, and education-directed policies, which complicates immunization data sharing. Most (79%) require records of immunizations for children to attend school or for a child-care institution licensure, but only a few (11%) require coordination between IIS and schools or child-care facilities. CONCLUSIONS: To realize the full benefit of IIS investment, including improved immunization and school health program efficiencies, IIS and school immunization records policies must be better coordinated. States with well-integrated policies may serve as models for effective harmonization.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302078

Authors: Erika M. Hedden, Amy B. Jessop, Robert I. Field

Institutions: University of the Sciences, Drexel University

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention