Issue: Functionalities of immunization registry or “Opt-out” Bills
Examples of State Bills:
- FL SB 1094 (Change from opt-out to opt-in) Prohibiting the Department of Health from requiring enrollment in the state’s immunization registry or otherwise requiring persons to submit to immunization tracking; prohibiting business and governmental entities from requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination or post infection recovery from any disease to gain access to, entry upon, or service from such entities; prohibiting employers from refusing employment to, or discharging, disciplining, demoting, or otherwise discriminating against, an individual solely on the basis of vaccination or immunity status; revising the purposes of the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 to include discrimination protection for vaccination or immunity status, etc.
- NJ A1523 (Change from opt-out to opt-in) Prohibits automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System.
What it Means:
- This legislation reverses the state immunization information systems (IIS) from opt-out to opt-in process, which requires the individual’s consent to include their immunization records in the registry. Opt-out systems, on the other hand, automatically include immunization information.
Key Talking Points:
- Immunization Information Systems (IIS) are confidential, population-based, computerized data bases that record all immunization doses that have been used to support both a patient and their healthcare providers since the 1970s.
- IIS supports emergency response. Immunization data systems enable public health officials to be utilize the data to identify areas of risk of vaccine preventable disease as exhibited during recent outbreaks of COVID, measles, etc. It can also help us know where vaccine doses are available.
- IIS Support everyday readiness. Immunization data is important ensures the right vaccine is given to the right person, at the right time. It reduces duplicative immunizations, decrease operating costs, and increases participation among providers. Individuals benefit from easy access to immunization records for travel, health care, employment, and education.
- Opt-out systems help reduce vaccine-preventable disease. Higher levels of participation in an IIS are seen in jurisdictions with implied consent, resulting in more complete patient and vaccination data in the IIS. In fact, average enrollment among adults was 24% higher in jurisdictions with opt-out or all-in systems, and participation was 25% higher.[1]
- An Opt-In system is not needed. There are multiple opportunities to request removal from the registry, including: at birth, each time an immunization is administered, through the department’s website, through written request to the department, and following a man-made or natural disaster. Once a person opts-out, they are out for good.
- Privacy Protections set the standard for the country’s Immunization Information Systems. There are also strict policies prohibiting the sale of registry information to any public or private entity
- Shifting to an Opt-in system is much more expensive. While opt‐out systems, cost $2.24 per child or $1.3 million annually, compared to $0.29 per child or $100,714 annually for opt-out systems.[2]
Bottom Line:
- Vaccines not only protect oneself, but families, neighbors, and communities. They are especially important for children, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised, and those who may not be able to get vaccinated.
- Vaccinations protect individuals from severe illness, hospitalization and death. They have helped Americans get back to work and to our daily lives.
- It is critical that as Americans receive information on the benefits of vaccines so they can make informed decisions around vaccination.
We urge legislators to support and protect immunization data systems and keep as an opt-out system to reduce program costs and increase its effectiveness while maintaining individual privacy protections.
Tags: opt-out; exemptions
[1] https://repository.immregistries.org/files/resources/60958446cdad0/adultlandscape_final.pdf
[2] Boom, J.A., et. al. “Immunization Information System Opt-In Consent: At What Cost?” Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2010 Sept-Oct;16(5):E18-25.