Canadian Immunization Registry Network (CIRN)

• Background
• Vision
• Terms of Reference/Membership (CIRN)
• CIRN Trade Show - 2002
• Reports
• Links

Background

In 1996, at the Canadian Immunization Conference, it was recommended that an immunization tracking system was urgently needed in Canada. The discussion between participants led to the development of key conceptual ideas to use electronic registries for immunization surveillance. Registries in Canada could:

• Be used to identify children due or overdue for immunization, and generate recall/reminder notification to parents.
• Have the capacity to make appointments, and to provide a database for health-care providers to monitor the immunization status of patients at each encounter, regardless of where the vaccine is administered.
• Be able to assist in public health planning by identifying populations at risk for delayed immunization, thereby enabling health authorities to target interventions appropriately, and to evaluate the success of the program.
• In provinces where physicians deliver most immunizations, registries should be accessible and/or developed for their practice.

As a follow-up to these recommendations, a Canadian Consensus Conference on a National Immunization Records System, held in March 1998, was convened by Health Canada. It was at this conference that the goal for a National Immunization Records Network was developed:

To ensure every province and territory will have a comprehensive electronic immunization registry capable of participating in a national immunization records network, by 2003. Immunization registries will assist Canadian jurisdictions in delivery of immunizations to all children and in the measurement of immunization coverage rates.

The National Immunization Records Network Working Group met in Halifax in 2002 to review the vision, goal , and workplan. It was at this meeting the name of the group was changed to the Canadian Immunization Registry Network. Additionally, the vision was revised to provide more clarity on the focus of the network.

Vision

As a key component of the National Immunization Strategy, and the basis for the Electronic Health Record, the Canadian Immunization Registry Network (CIRN) will provide standards, central coordination and sustainable planning to support compatible electronic immunization registries in Canada.

Terms of Reference

Mandate

The Canadian Immunization Registry Network (CIRN) will act as a working group to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of Canadian Consensus Conference on Immunization Registries. The National Immunization Registry will function as a virtual registry, by linking registries and using surveillance information collected by the registries.

Scope of Activities

• Facilitate the transfer of electronic immunization records between registries.
• Facilitate the timely collection of data from all immunization providers to immunization registries.
• Enhance national surveillance of immunization coverage rates and progress towards national immunization goals.
• Link to surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases and adverse vaccine reactions.
• Identify funding and share efficiencies.

Objectives

1. CIRN will monitor the implementation of immunization registries in Canada.
2. CIRN will provide advice to Health Canada, Department of National Defence, Correctional Services of Canada and P/T governments to assist them with the establishment and operation of immunization registries.
3. CIRN set standards and guidelines and describe best practices for immunization registries in Canada.
4. CIRN will provide a forum for exchange of ideas and information about immunization registries.
5. CIRN will create subcommittees as necessary to address issues requiring special expertise.
6. CIRN will report regularly, at least biannually, to stakeholders, regarding progress towards a national immunization registry in Canada.

Reporting Relationship

The CIRN will have a dual reporting relationship to the Public Health Working Group of the Advisory Committee for Population Health and the Health Surveillance Working Group of the Advisory Committee for Health Infostructure.

Meetings/Secretariat Support

Members of the CIRN will meet, at minimum, face-to-face yearly, four times per year via teleconference. Task groups will be established and meet as required. Health Canada will provide secretariat support for meetings and teleconferences. Contracts will be drawn with the assistance of the Secretariat, as required.

Membership:

CIRN Trade Show 2002: From Vision to Action

The concept of a "Trade Show" for immunization registries premiered at the Canadian Immunization Conference, 2000 held in Halifax. Public health agencies and private industry had the unique opportunity to showcase their solutions for monitoring immunization electronically. The following organizations displayed the innovative tools that are now being used:

• BC Centre for Disease Control demonstrated the Public Health Information System (PHIS), which enables the systematic collection and collation of health surveillance data as a by-product of health care professionals doing their normal work.
• The Communicable Disease Control Unit of Manitoba Health showcased its recently enhanced immunization database, which maintains records of immunizations given to Manitobans by public health officials, physicians and in other facilities.
• Health Canads'a Centre for Surveillance Coordination Skills Enhancement for Health Surveillance project provided information on its training modules
• Health Canada's IT Security Services illustrated the vulnerabilities related to e-mail and the benefits of encryption.
• Institut national de santé publique du Québec and Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec demonstrated the technology used for its central database for immunization.
• The Ontario Public Health Branch demonstrated its immunization registry, known as "the model with logic".

Reports

• National Survey on Immunization Data Standards: The Current Practice - PDF
• Canadian Consensus Conference on a National Immunization Records System - Canada Communicable Disease Report - Volume 24-17 - September 1, 1998
• Canadian Consensus Conference on a National Immunization Records System - Abridged Report - March 2-3, 1998

Links

• Center for Disease Control - Immunization Registry Clearinghouse