Immunization Information Systems Annual Report (IISAR) Data Overview

The Immunization Information Systems Annual Report (IISAR) is an annual assessment conducted by CDC, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), of Immunization Information Systems (IIS) activity among the 64 immunization program awardees that receive funding under section 317b of the Public Health Service Act. Awardees include the 50 states, 5 cities, the District of Columbia (D.C.) and 8 Territories.

The IISAR is a self-administered web-based questionnaire completed by immunization program managers as part of their annual reporting requirement. Awardees are asked to provide information about their IIS, such as:

• the number of children aged less than 6 years with two or more vaccinations recorded in the IIS
• public and private provider site participation levels
• fulfillment of IIS functional standards
• other IIS-related programmatic functions

How are the IISAR Data Used?

These IISAR data are used in various programmatic, policy, and technical decision making. Some uses include:

• The basis for annual MMWR IIS progress towards reaching the national IIS objectives
• A tool for NCIRD/IIS consultants during site visits to measure performance, strengths and challenges
• A culminating, year-end snapshot for Awardee Immunization Programs to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, set program priorities, and policy-level decision making
• An analysis tool to identify trends in IIS development across the nation
• An evaluation tool for CDC and partners
• An information resource for CDC when setting IIS national priorities and identifying next steps
• Selection criteria for NCIRD and awardee special projects
• A means to introduce future concepts and measures for enhancing IIS functionality and use (e.g., adolescent and adult saturation measures in IIS, pandemic flu, EMRs, outbreak management, data use, etc.)
• IISAR Reports and Publications

Confidentiality

All data collected through the IISAR are self-reported, aggregate data from our awardees and include no individually identifiable data on IIS participants.

Frequently Asked Questions about the IISAR

What is the purpose of the IISAR?

The purpose of the Immunization Information Systems Annual Report (IISAR) is to assess awardee performance in developing, maintaining, and enhancing Immunization Information Systems (IIS) activities for a given calendar year.

How are data for the IISAR collected?

Limitations of IISAR Data

• Data from the IISAR are self-reported and might result in reporting bias.
• National participation rates for children, adolescents, and adults may be underestimated since some awardees did not report data.
• Provider site participation rates are subject to fluctuations from year to year due to the changing provider population, as well as recruitment and retention activities at each IIS.
• IIS are constantly changing with advances in technology, client demands, and program needs. This impacts reporting patterns from year to year.