HOT TOPICS

**NEW! IIS 101 Video — Now Streaming**

AIRA, in collaboration with CDC, is thrilled to introduce our new video, IIS 101, a short and informative resource that makes explaining immunization information systems (IIS) a whole lot easier.

This video offers a clear, compelling overview of what IIS are and how they drive data-informed health decisions that support healthier communities. Whether you’re onboarding new staff, engaging partners, or demonstrating the value of IIS to decision-makers, this resource serves as a valuable tool for education, training, and advocacy.

We invite you to share this resource widely—especially with new staff, partners, or decision-makers—to advance IIS understanding and support public health efforts.

It’s NIAM—Let’s Spread the Word!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and it’s the perfect time to highlight the importance of immunizations and the value of immunization information systems (IIS). To make it easy, AIRA has created a NIAM Toolkit packed with ready-to-use graphics, sample messages, and resources to help you share the word with your networks.

Haven’t shared yet? There’s still plenty of time! Download the toolkit, post on your channels, and help raise awareness about the value of IIS in supporting strong communities.

Thank You for Sharing Your Expertise: A Look Back at the 2025 Regional Workshops

During the last week of July, AIRA welcomed IIS community members from across the Central and Western regions to Salt Lake City, Utah, for two impactful Regional Workshops. These in-person gatherings were more than just meetings. The workshops were dynamic spaces where knowledge was shared, connections were strengthened, and new ideas were sparked.

Over the course of one and a half days for each region, attendees participated in interactive sessions, shared peer experiences, and explored opportunities to advance our collective work. From practical insights to inspiring dialogue, the workshops reflected the very best of what the IIS community has to offer.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and brought their expertise, energy, and curiosity to the conversations. Your thoughtful engagement helped make each session rich with learning and collaboration.

Climb Higher with AIRA’s DQ Resource Hub

Improving your IIS data quality doesn’t have to be daunting! AIRA’s Data Quality Resource Hub is your interactive guide to navigating the data quality landscape. Whether you’re new to IIS data quality, planning your next steps, or training staff, the Hub helps you chart your unique path with timely, relevant resources. How you use it is up to you!

The DQ Resource Hub offers three flexible paths to explore: IIS Blueprint Characteristics, Data Quality Topics, and Data Touch Points. Explorers can choose their approach and build a personalized resource list—or download the full set.

The DQ Resource Hub also offers participants in AIRA’s Data at Rest (DAR) program the option of viewing their IIS-specific DAR results to support targeted improvements. DAR participants can request a custom version of the tool featuring their DAR results by emailing [email protected].

Need help getting started? Check out AIRA’s companion resource, Charting Your Course: A Data Quality Adventure. Within this guide, you’ll complete a quick eight-question quiz to discover your IIS trail mascot, discussion questions, and a sample action plan template to bring your goals to life. For more information and a demonstration of the Data Quality Resource Hub and the companion resource, view the July Tableau User Group recording or visit the AIRA Repository.

Board Spotlight: Getting to Know David Crowell

The Board Spotlight provides both AIRA staff and the IIS community the opportunity to learn a little about each AIRA Board member. This month, we’re getting to know David Crowell, a long-standing member of the AIRA Board and the HL7 Interface Manager for the Nevada State Immunization Program (NSIP).

If you could eat only one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Japanese cuisine. So many flavors and tasty combinations to enjoy.

If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would it be?

My wife says we would have to invite the Obamas—so many questions, and I think some good laughs as well would ensue!

If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?

I’d like to be a linguist in both computer languages as well as spoken languages. To be able to communicate fully with the world would be a great gift!

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?

Travel to Japan to ski through the “Zao snow monsters,” relax in the natural hot springs and, of course, eat all the delicious food.

Are there any new initiatives or projects your organization is currently working on that you’d be willing to share?

Nevada recently launched an HL7 interface with its Office of Vital Records, providing a real-time population-based data exchange with the IIS!

If you had the opportunity to be on any TV show, which one would you choose and why?

I think I would kill it at “The Price Is Right”!

What’s one key takeaway you’ve gained from participating in an AIRA workgroup or committee?

In my time with AIRA, I have had the privilege to build community relationships and glean invaluable Industry knowledge

Do you have any insights, advice, or words of encouragement you would like to offer to the IIS community?

This is an incredible group of talented and innovative people who care deeply about the communities we serve. Persevere, because what you do and who you are to the people you serve matter. You all have made an immense difference in the lives of real people!

TAKE ACTION

Register Today for the New AIRA e-Learning Course – HL7 v2.5.1 ACK Messages

In case you missed it, registration for the new e-learning course, HL7 v2.5.1 Acknowledgment (ACK) Messages and Their Role in Ensuring Immunization Interoperability, is now open!

This two-hour on-demand course provides a focused overview of HL7 v2.5.1 acknowledgment (ACK) messages and their role in supporting immunization interoperability, particularly in response to HL7 VXU messages. The course is designed for individuals with some prior exposure to HL7 immunization messaging—especially those supporting HL7 v2 interfaces between IIS and other health systems.

Before starting, check out the course syllabus and complete the foundational courses on HL7 and interoperability, if needed.

Information Requests

AIRA members can submit and review information requests—a circulation of questions to, and answers from, the community. To submit an information request to the IIS community, email [email protected] with “Information Request” in the subject line. Anyone who provides a meaningful response to an information request will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card and will be recognized during the AIRA 2026 National Meeting awards ceremony.

Information requests are viewable only by individual members and individuals affiliated with member and partner organizations. Recent information requests can be found by using the “Information Requests” filter in the AIRA Repository. Just log in to view these valuable resources! If you have any questions, please email [email protected].