Some providers have expressed disinterest in the system until there is protective legislation for providers and their patients whose records may be housed in the registry. These groups have influenced and guided legislative proposals which seek to revoke existing legislation requiring protective immunizations of daycare and school aged children. Most of the protection from vaccine preventable diseases that Illinois residents reap is as a direct result of these existing immunization requirements. Registry initiatives can further enhance existing population protection against vaccine preventable diseases by presenting a full immunization history on each participating child. This will reduce the need to re-immunize children whose immunization histories appear lacking to one provider by providing a history that represents numerous visits to all participating public and private providers.
Immunization registries are expensive to develop and to maintain.
We do not expect that cost to decrease since it primarily represents personnel and telecommunications costs. We have not received adequate Federal or stare funding to support all planned development initiatives for 1999. We are seeking additional funding to support services not fully funded for the remainder of 1999. If we are unable to acquire these additional funds or to continue existing funding levels in 2000, the registry initiative will be severely impacted. Presenting the positive impact good immunization practices can have on the health of all Illinoisans.