MA Immunization Information System

MA Immunization Information System (MIIS)

The MIIS is a statewide system that keeps track of immunization records for you and your family. These records list the vaccinations (shots) you and your children get to protect against measles, chickenpox, tetanus, and other diseases.

MIIS is designed to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts is up-to-date with their shots and that your records are available when you need them – such as when your child enters school, when you need emergency medical help, or when you change healthcare providers.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The MIIS:

• Helps your healthcare provider keep track of which shots are due and when they should be given.
• Keeps all your immunization records together for you, your family, and your healthcare provider.
• Provides proof of vaccination for your children.
• Helps prevent outbreaks of disease like measles and the flu in your community.
• Keeps shot records safe during natural disasters such as flooding or hurricanes.

WHAT INFORMATION IS KEPT IN THE MIIS?

• A list of shots that you or your children have received as well as any that you or your children get in the future.
• Information needed for safe and accurate immunization of each patient, such as:
  • Full name and birth date
  • Gender
  • Address and phone number
  • Provider office where each shot is given

HOW DOES THIS INFORMATION GET INTO THE SYSTEM?

• Information about children is added when a child is born or when a child gets his or her first shots.
• Your healthcare provider can add your records or your family’s records if they are not already in the MIIS.

WHO HAS ACCESS TO MY RECORDS?

• The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses modern technology to make sure that all information entered into the MIIS is kept secure and confidential.
• The information in the MIIS is only available to:
  • Healthcare providers or others ensuring appropriate immunization, as authorized by DPH
  • Schools
  • Local boards of health
  • DPH, including the WIC program, and other state agencies or programs that provide education and outreach about vaccines to their clients
  • Studies specially approved by the Commissioner of Public Health which meet strict legal safeguards

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT MY INFORMATION SHARED?

• You have the right to limit who can see your information.
• To limit who can see your information, you need to fill out the MIIS Objection Form.
• If you decide to limit who can see your information, your current healthcare provider will be able to see the shots they have given to you or your children, but may not be able to see your complete immunization history.
• If you decide to limit who can see your information, you will not have access to all of the benefits of the MIIS, like sharing your immunization records with schools and emergency rooms, nor a complete record of shots in a single place.

At SBCHC, the MIIS works hand-in-hand with the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to create secure, accurate and easily accessible records. With these records, healthcare providers can better assist with your medical needs, and ultimately improve the quality of your care.

MIIS information taken from Mass.gov.