The Process of Developing an Immunization Information System: Lessons From San Diego All Kids Count

For the first time ever in the U.S., a centralized registry will make it possible to identify which preschool children are in need of immunizations. Presently, records of immunizations are dispersed in patients’ charts among multiple providers, thus making tracking the immunization status of children difficult. Automating current immunization records and patient tickler systems likely will increase efficiency and productivity of office staff and contribute to increasing preschool immunization rates. We examine the process used in San Diego, California, to create the support and infrastructure for a countywide immunization system. Steps include establishing physician, community, and technical advisory groups, and parental focus groups; a comprehensive assessment of existing computer systems and required design elements; and marketing the system to providers and health care institutions.