Using NYSIIS to Increase Adult Immunization Rates in New York State

Overview

The use of immunization registries has been shown to increase immunization rates, decrease missed opportunities, and avoid over-vaccination. Despite this evidence, adult immunization providers are demonstrating limited ability to recognize the importance of utilizing the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), of the benefits of NYSIIS use to their practice and their patients, and of the tools available to them in NYSIIS to assist in efforts to increase adult immunization rates. 

There have been several reasons given for this, such as the requirement to capture consent from adult patients, entry of adult immunizations is not mandatory as it is for childhood immunizations, and electronic medical records (EMR) do not always communicate easily with NYSIIS. 

Despite evidence of its effectiveness, NYS providers are not utilizing NYSIIS causing a serious gap in the ability of NYSIIS to assist with adult immunization rates across the state. 

Target Audience

Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other medical providers who interact with and counsel adults regarding immunizations.