United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center Immunization Program
The goal of the USET TEC Immunization Program is to provide ongoing immunization coverage data analysis services and useful information to USET Member Tribes.
The Nashville Area has 23 sites that report immunization coverage using RPMS or a commercial software. While our geographic territory extends from Maine to Florida and as far east as Texas, we have Tribal and IHS health departments in 12 states. We at USET and IHS in Nashville are fortunate to have a wonderful group of field-based Immunization Coordinators at the local Tribal and IHS health departments to collaborate with to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.
In support, USET has collaborated with the IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention using the National Immunization Reporting System (NIRS). NIRS is a web-based reporting tool used to collect quarterly immunization data from IHS/Tribal/Urban facilities nationwide. The NIRS was developed in partnership with the IHS Public Health Nursing Program to improve the quality and timeliness of immunization data. For more information regarding the NIRS please visit the IHS website at http://www.ihs.gov/Epi/index.cfm?module=epi_vaccine_projects
| Immunization Data Surveillance Statistics Sources | Types of Data Reports (as of Sep 08) |
| National Immunization Reporting System (NIRS) | - Quarterly (3-27 months old) report: Age-appropriate immunization rates in 3 to 27-month-olds who receive care at the clinic (Active Children). Each quarter. - Two Yr Old (19-35 months old) report: Age-appropriate immunization rates for 19 to 35-month-olds Active Children. Each quarter. - Adolescent Immunization Report: Age appropriate immunization rates in 11 years 0 days through 17 years 364 days who have 2 clinical visits in the past 3 years. Each quarter. - Annual Pediatric Influenza Report: Influenza immunization rates for 5 to 30-month-olds Active Children. Only done for quarter ending June 30th. |
| RPMS Immunization Tracking System | - Same NIRS reports but can vary denominators, community, time frame and other parameters as appropriate and also, - Adult Immunization Report: Tetanus (past 10 years), influenza (past year), pneumovax (past 5 years) immunization rates for patients over the age of 50 and over the age of 65 who have 2 clinical visits in the past 3 years. |
| Immunization Data Exchange | - Software that extracts immunization data from the RPMS system and sends it to state immunization registries using standard Health Level Seven (HL7) messages in accordance with CDC's national immunization registry data exchange standards. - In response to the data sent from the RPMS, the state registry creates a file of immunizations missing in the RPMS data and sends that back to the facility. - This information can then be downloaded into the RPMS, alleviating the need for staff to enter the information into the RPMS, and ensuring that a patient's complete immunization history is available to the provider. |
| RPMS Clinical Reporting System | - Like the RPMS Immunization Tracking System’s Two-Yr-Old, Adolescent Immunizations, and Adult Immunization (flu and pneumovax only) Reports, but can vary denominators, community, time frame and other parameters as appropriate and also, Flu and Pneumovax Coverage in Persons with Diabetes Reports. |
| Diabetes Audit System | - Tetanus (within past 10 years), influenza (past year), and pneumovax (ever) immunization rates for patients on the active diabetes registry whose records were audited and data submitted to the Division of Diabetes Prevention and Treatment. |
For additional information or to inquire about the New Hire Orientation please contact the Immunization team.
Michelle Ruslavage, BSN, RN, CDE, Immunization Coordinator
Michelle.Ruslavage@usetinc.org
or
Nichole Blackfox, Project Assistant
nichole@usetinc.org