AIRA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was AIRA founded?
What is AIRA’s mission?
Who are AIRA’s members?
What exactly are immunization registries?
What are some of the benefits of immunization registries?
Does every state have an immunization registry?
Are all children mandated by law to be entered into their state’s immunization registry?
What about privacy and confidentiality?
If I am employed with an immunization registry project, how can joining AIRA help me do my job better?
How can I become a member?

1. When was AIRA founded?

AIRA (American Immunization Registry Association) was founded in July 1999 as a volunteer organization to advocate for the support and development of immunization registries as an indispensable tool in protecting the population against vaccine preventable diseases.

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2. What is AIRA’s mission?

AIRA’s mission is to provide a forum for registry programs and interested individuals, organizations and communities to combine efforts and share knowledge and experience that promotes registry activities as a resource for immunization information systems (IIS) and immunization programs.

For more detailed information on AIRA’s mission and goals, read AIRA’s 2004-2006 Strategic Plan.

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3. Who are AIRA’s members?

AIRA’s membership is comprised of individuals and organizations from both the public and private sector. They work for entities such as public health departments, managed care groups, community coalitions, system consulting firms and hardware vendors. With nearly 200 members AIRA currently represents thirty-eight states, one commonwealth and one foreign country. AIRA has an active and involved membership, with a large proportion serving on AIRA’s standing and ad hoc committees.

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4. What exactly are immunization registries?

Immunization registries are confidential, population-based, computerized information systems that contain information about immunizations and children. A "fully operational" registry represents enrollment equal to or greater than 95% of all catchment area children less than six years of age with two or more immunization encounters administered according to recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Children typically are entered into a registry at birth, often through a linkage with electronic birth records or at first contact with the health-care system. If a registry includes all children in a given geographical area and all providers are reporting immunization information, a registry can provide a single data source for all community immunization partners. Such a population-based immunization registry can make it easier to carry out effective immunization strategies, and thereby decrease the resources needed to achieve and maintain high levels of coverage. Immunization registries also can be used to enhance adult immunization services and coverage.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Immunization Program

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5. What are some of the benefits of immunization registries?

All participants in the health care of children realize numerous benefits from the implementation of an immunization registry. Providers have access to consolidated and accurate vaccination histories of their patients, help in complying with an increasingly complex vaccination schedule and a means to manage their vaccine inventory. Parents and caregivers get reminders when an immunization has been missed. Up-to-date information on a child’s vaccination history also prevents over-immunization. Schools save time in complying with safety and health regulations and public health systems use the information to control vaccine preventable diseases. All the benefits of an immunization registry add up to a higher immunization rate and a healthier population.

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6. Does every state have an immunization registry?

Currently, immunization registries are being developed or are operational in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. States such as California and New York have a network of regional immunization registries.

Detailed information on a specific registry can be found in our registry profiles.

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7. Are all children mandated by law to be entered into their state’s immunization registry?

No. Currently not every state mandates reporting. For a survey of state immunization registry legislation, click here.

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8. What about privacy and confidentiality?

Registries were created with the understanding that patient and provider confidentiality is paramount and must be protected. All registries must comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the privacy of patient information. In addition, providers often sign agreements assuring that registry data will not be used or accessed improperly.

9. If I am employed with an immunization registry project, how can joining AIRA help me do my job better?

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of your AIRA membership is the opportunity to network with your colleagues and learn from their experience. Membership also gives you access to the Members Only section of the AIRA website, which offers bulletin boards and discussion forums on relevant and timely topics. As an AIRA member you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and influence public policy regarding immunization registries.

Read more on the benefits of AIRA membership.

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10. How can I become a member?

Any individual or organization, both not-for-profit and for-profit, that shares AIRA’s vision is eligible for membership. Yearly dues are $75 for an individual and $195 for an organization.

Click here for a membership application and further information on becoming an AIRA member.

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