Oregon Immunization ALERT

www.immalert.org

With a constantly expanding schedule for recommended immunizations, parents often struggle to keep up with their kids immunization records. Children often get their vaccinations from a variety of doctors and clinics. And if doctors cant confirm the childs immunization history, theyre likely to give another dose, leading to higher costs and another sore arm.

For shots given in Oregon, however, theres an easy solution. The Oregon Immunization ALERT is a statewide immunization information system. Launched in 1996, ALERT collects immunization information from both public and private health providers and combines that information into one complete record.

The only catch is that parents cant access the Web site on their own. They must request a copy of their childrens immunization records from the state (1-800-980-9431). Doctors can also check the records for their patients.

Usually the easiest way is to go where they received their shots, and hopefully those providers are submitting their data to ALERT, said Heather Kaisner, immunization program coordinator with Deschutes County Health Department. Most are in Deschutes County.

Kaisner said the site records only the childs name, date of birth and immunizations received. No other personal information is stored on the Web site. The site also sends postcards to parents when their children appear to be past due for an immunization.

In March, Oregon Immunization ALERT was expanded to include adult immunization information, going back as far as 1940 for some residents. But the site has only a limited amount of adult data available so far.

Markian Hawryluk