IRIS users,
Iowa’s Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS) will be transitioning to a new application over the next year. Since 2012, the Iowa Immunization Program has contracted with Gainwell Technologies to support a version of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). The WIR application is reaching its end of life for technology support, and the majority of states using the current application are seeking a replacement.

Immunization Registry Request for Proposal

The Iowa Immunization Program issued a Request for Proposals to solicit a modern
Immunization Information System (IIS) solution that meets national registry standards as well as
Iowa’s business needs. Gainwell Technologies was selected as the successful applicant and has
recently developed a new registry by leading IIS experts. This product will be referred to
as IRIS 2.0 going forward.

IRIS 2.0 Timeline

The anticipated timeline for implementation of IRIS 2.0 will be late third quarter of 2024 into the first quarter of 2025.

Data Migration

All existing data for patients, immunizations, and organizations maintained in the current version of IRIS will migrate to IRIS 2.0. All current IRIS patient records will go through a patient de-duplication, which is part of IRIS 2.0. 

IRIS Users

Existing IRIS user accounts will be migrated to IRIS 2.0. As part of IRIS 2.0, user email addresses will be required. Current IRIS users should review and update email addresses associated with your IRIS account now. Instructions to update user email addresses in the current IRIS application can be found below in the “Action Item” section below. 

Training

The Iowa Immunization Program will provide online training of the IRIS 2.0 application closer to the implementation date. The Iowa Immunization Program will communicate training dates for IRIS 2.0 in future updates. Additionally, within IRIS 2.0, users will have access to intuitive prompts for completing data entry fields, rather than navigating to online help.

Monthly IRIS webinars for the current IRIS application will continue throughout 2024 for existing users. Registration links, dates and times for the 2024 monthly webinars can be found here. 

IRIS Data Exchange

The IRIS 2.0 application will only support HL7 2.5.1, implementation guide (IG) 1.5 for electronic data exchange. Data exchange partners not meeting the IRIS 2.5.1 IG 1.5 data exchange specifications should plan to update to the latest version of the HL7 Implementation Guide v1.5 to coincide with implementation of the new application. Data exchange partners ready to transition to IG 1.5 prior to implementation of IRIS 2.0 can do so at any time with the existing IRIS application. IRIS data exchange specifications are found in the Forms tab of the IRIS website. Provider organizations should validate with their existing EMR vendors which HL7 guide is currently being utilized. 

Action Items:

• Review Monthly IRIS Updates: Continue to review monthly updates provided by the Iowa Immunization Program and share updates with other IRIS users within the organization.
• Verify User Email Addresses: Ensure your email address is accurate and included on your IRIS account. To manage your email address: 
• Go to Manage Access/Account. 
• Select “Edit My User Account” in the left navigation menu. 
• Review and update the email address if needed. 
• Select the “Save” button. 

• Check Data Exchange Specifications: IRIS 2.0 will only support HL7 2.5.1, implementation guide 1.5. Data exchange partners should begin reviewing IRIS 2.5.1 IG 1.5 data exchange specifications and make plans to transition to the IG 1.5 no later than November 1, 2024. Provider organizations are encouraged to validate with their existing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) vendors which HL7 guide is currently being utilized. IRIS data exchange specifications are found in the forms tab of the IRIS website. Questions regarding data exchange and data exchange specifications can be directed to 800-374-3958 ext. 3. 

If you have any questions about the IRIS transition, contact the IRIS Program at irisenrollment@idph.iowa.gov. Thank you.