ImmTrac: Statewide Immunization Tracker July 18, 2007

As Central Texas parents begin thinking about back-to-school issues for their children, one thing on the to-do list may be updating immunizations. Austin area schools require students to have current vaccinations before entering the classroom. If your child has changed schools or doctors recently or if you are new to the area, you probably need to retrieve records.

The state of Texas keeps an free, confidential vaccine registry called ImmTrac that maintains a child's vaccination history even when immunizations are obtained from multiple providers in multiple Texas locations. If your child's records have been submitted to the registry by your physician or clinic, there's a good chance they can be found.

You have to give permission to share the records, so you may already know if your child's records are in the registry. Or you can ask your doctor wherever your child was last immunized.

Roberto L. Rodriguez, Md, MPH, medical director of the Dell Children's/Austin Independent School District Student Health Services program is a believer in the electronic registry.

"As physicians, we are committed to our patients' health and well-being. But keeping our pediatric patients vaccinated according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines can often be a challenge in busy private practices or community clinics," says Roberto L. Rodriguez, MD, MPH, assistant clinical professor with UTMB Austin-Pediatrics. "The immunization schedule itself is complex and difficult to keep up with. An automated system for complying with the vaccine schedule is in my opinion a welcome technology and possible through Immtrac."

In addition to tracking individual records, the registry also provides information on immunization rates in geographic areas around the state. Right now, the ImmTrac system contains records for more than 5 million Texas children.

Without Records, Vaccinations May Be Repeated

AISD's mandatory vaccination policy coupled with diligent work by Student Health Services has resulted in a district-wide vaccination rate of 99 percent. Students starting school for the first time or moving in need documentation of vaccinations. If they are not available, duplication of services may be necessary.

"Many new patients present for care without a complete medical history or documentation of immunizations from other providers," says Dr. Rodriguez, who sees patients at the East Austin and Rosewood-Zaragosa Community Health Centers. "Without proper documentation, such a child may need to be 'caught up' on shots, but in reality may be getting over-immunized. This results in both unnecessary discomfort for the child as well as unnecessary costs associated with vaccinations." He believes the Immtrac registry will help alleviate those burdens.

Don't Wait ... Vaccinate

As of May 2007, the Austin Independent School District identified 3,300 students who have not been immunized or need to complete their immunizations. Without complete immunizations those identified will not be able to enroll this fall in public school. The Don't Wait Vaccinate program is the combined effort of several city, state and healthcare organizations to provide free or low-cost immunizations to those children and their siblings.

Details, including a list of shots required by AISD and when they must be given, are available on their Web site. Parents are encouraged to seek care from their child's primary care physician. If no physicians is available, it also includes a list of community resources.

Roberto L. Rodriguez, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
UTMB Austin-Pediatrics

Dr. Rodriguez is an attending pediatrician for East Austin and Rosewood-Zaragosa Community Health Centers. He also serves as medical advisor for Dell Children's/AISD Student Health Services.

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