A decentralized- community-based design for statewide immunization registries in Minnesota.

Incomplete immunization records and an increasingly complex immunization schedule make it difficult for parents and providers to know what shots their children or clients need. Complete and accurate immunization records are needed for day care- sports- camp- and school- but this is difficult--especially when previous immunizations have been received at different clinics. Population-based immunization registries help make complete and accurate records more easily available to parents and health care providers. Registries foster the timely sending of reminder notices for children who are due for immunizations and make it possible for providers to quickly assess immunization rates in their clinic. Public health officials use registries to determine immunization rates- to identify pockets of need where immunization rates are low and to target resources. In Minnesota- over 85% of immunizations are delivered in the private sector. Minnesota is also extensively covered by managed care organizations with an estimated