Tennessee is the first state in the nation to make health insurance coverage universally available to children. Immunizations are the purest piece of preventive health technology. This is one of the few examples in health care where a service is provided and a disease is prevented. Immunizations are also one of the most cost-effective preventive health care measures. Tennessee implemented an immunization registry in 1996, and all 95 county health departments are now on-line to submit data.
Private physicians can access the data by computer and enter any shots they have given.
A voice interactive system has been installed to allow providers access to the registry if they do not have computer capability. Soon the registry will be able to receive tapes from the TennCare managed care organizations for the children immunized in private offices. In return, the department will be able to give health providers a list of their children who are delinquent in immunizations. Access Med Plus' Good Shots program uses a basketball event to increase awareness about immunizations. American Greeting Cards in partnership with Department of Health provides a congratulatory card to all new parents from Governor Sundquist and First Lady, Martha including information about the importance of immunizations and how parents can obtain them for their baby.