Exciting Updates on Wisconsin’s Immunization Information System (WIR)
This message is being sent to VFC providers, VFA providers, Wisconsin vaccinators, Tribal health directors, local public health officers, local health nurses, local public health department staff, school WIR users, immunization coalitions, WIR users, and select DHS employees.
The Wisconsin Immunization Program is thrilled to announce a significant step forward in modernizing its approach to immunization data management.
For over 20 years the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR), Wisconsin’s immunization information system (IIS) has served Wisconsin well by tracking immunizations, forecasting, and reporting. In 2024 DHS launched a project to evaluate the current system and determine the best way to move forward. The evaluation determined a new system is the best path to modernizing Wisconsin’s IIS.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will be selecting a solution that will retain much of the functionality and familiarity of WIR, while streamlining processes, enhancing security, and better supporting the vaccination needs across the state
How we evaluated the current WIR system
To ensure the future IIS meets the needs of its users, DHS conducted multiple surveys to collect valuable feedback from providers, partners, and WIR users. These surveys highlighted beneficial additions or changes needed, and emphasized features of the current system that users find essential to retain. This feedback is playing a crucial role in shaping the business and technical requirements for the new system.
In addition to the feedback gathered from WIR users, DHS has incorporated national standards known as IIS Core Functions and Capabilities. These IIS Core Functions and Capabilities were created by the Public Health Informatics Institute (PHII) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Moving forward
The project is entering the procurement phase. DHS is working to select a solution that will deliver a system that meets the identified requirements. It is anticipated that implementation will launch in 2026. There will be carefully planned training and testing opportunities for user engagement as we move through development of the new IIS.
IIS modernization is just one of the projects in the Wisconsin’s Public Health Data Modernization projects. Visit the CDC's website for additional information about the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Data modernization initiative.
Updates on the project’s progress will be communicated to keep users informed. If you have specific questions, you can submit via email DHSIIS@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
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