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August 24, 2021
Recent data has shown that routine childhood and adolescent vaccination rates have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide. An analysis of MIIC data found that there was a 6-8 percentage point decrease in DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella vaccines in children who turned 2 years old and a 5-6 percentage point decrease in those who turned 5 years old in 2020-21 compared to 2017-18. The coverage gap disproportionality affects Black, non-Hispanic children, with rates lower than the statewide average across all childhood vaccines. Compared to adolescents who turned 12 in 2017-18, rates among those that turned 12 in 2020-21 were 12.3 percentage points lower in the adolescent vaccine series. Lowest coverage rates were reported in Q1 social vulnerability index (SVI) ZIP codes, with a 6-8%percentage point difference between Q1 and Q4 ZIP codes for all adolescent vaccines. This initial analysis highlights that we are still seeing a gap in pediatric immunization rates during the pandemic. Learn more about some of the immunization gap data and find resources at Pediatric Immunization Gaps Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
To identify people who may need to catch up on routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations, consider using MIIC’s Client Follow-up and Assessment features. Learn more by visiting the links on the MIIC User Guidance and Training Resources page under “Population-Based Tools and Reports.”
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent out an adolescent postcard as part of a statewide back to school campaign. This postcard is aimed at keeping teens on track with recommended immunizations that may have been missed during the pandemic. The postcard has a QR code that recipients can scan to learn more about where to find vaccine providers and how to request their child’s immunization record (Immunization: Me and My Family). This postcard was sent out to 12- and 13-year-olds across the state who are recommended for MenACWY (meningococcal), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), HPV, or COVID-19 vaccines.
As the statewide immunization information system (IIS), MIIC is used for a variety of reasons, including provider practice, producing immunization records, and monitoring vaccination uptake and trends. To maintain all these functions, MIIC data must be as accurate as possible.
Here are some things your organization can do to improve the quality of data in MIIC:
- Check MIIC to verify identifying information like date of birth, name, address, and past vaccinations before you administer or enter a vaccine.
- If a patient tells you that they received a vaccine at another facility, only enter it into MIIC if you can verify the exact date and trade name.
- Remember that, for many organizations, vaccine information entered in your EHR is submitted directly to MIIC.
As more schools, businesses, and venues require documentation of COVID-19 vaccination, it is important to remember that data in MIIC contain private information about people that must be treated in a manner that preserves their privacy. Organizations must complete and submit a MIIC Data Use Agreement (DUA) before being set up in MIIC, and every three years while participating, as a commitment to upholding these priorities. Organizations participating in MIIC are responsible for adhering to all provisions of the DUA. The DUA must be submitted electronically, however, a PDF of the terms of the DUA is available for review at Participating in MIIC under “Step 2. Enroll.”
Provision 1 of the “Participating in MIIC” section of the DUA specifies that organizations can “access, provide and share immunization data only as allowed by the Minnesota Immunization Data Sharing Law (Minn. Stat. §144.3351).” Per state law, organizations can only view a person’s MIIC record, without their consent, if the organization provides services on behalf of that person. Discuss with your organization’s administrative and/or legal teams to determine how this law applies to your organization’s use of MIIC. MDH cannot provide legal guidance.
A privacy incident will have occurred when information from MIIC is disclosed for any purpose other than those descripted in the Minnesota Immunization Data Sharing Law. This pertains to both the demographic and immunization information in MIIC, and to release of information in any medium, including electronic, written, or oral. Any privacy incident must be reported immediately to MDH MIIC staff. Unauthorized disclosures by private providers are governed by Minn. Stat. §144.298, which allows for “disciplinary action against a provider by the appropriate licensing board or agency.”
Contact the MIIC Help Desk at health.miichelp@state.mn.us if you or your organization have any questions.
Use the “Assessment Reports” function in MIIC to create a report of a population’s immunization coverage rates. Reports can be created based on a list of people (List-Based Report) or based on people associated with your organization in MIIC (Custom Report). View the Single Vaccine Assessment Report user guide and training video at Immunization Assessment to learn more about generating, interpreting, and using the report.
MIIC regional coordinators are here to assist MIIC users at primary care clinics and local public health departments. Regional coordinators provide local outreach, training, and user support for primary care and local public health users. They are available for consultation in person or over webinar/conference call to plan immunization improvement activities. MIIC regional coordinators’ location within the communities they serve bring an immediately useful perspective into immunization practice.
Find contact information for your coordinator at MIIC Regions and Regional Coordinators and get started with improving your organization’s use of MIIC! If you are not a primary care or local public health user, contact the MIIC Help Desk for training and support services more specific to your organization type.
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