Varnett nurses are gearing toward forwarding students’ immunization records to a state registry.
ImmTrac, the Texas Immunization Registry, makes it easier for schools to track a child’s immunization history and allows them to do away with mounds of paperwork. The confidential information stored in the registry requires parental consent. Only health care professionals, schools and licensed child care facilities can access a child's vaccination history. Parents should have received or will receive the consent forms. They can also print out the forms at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/c-7.pdf.The new tracking system lessens the possibility that children will be under-vaccinated or over-vaccinated.
The following is an information sheet issued by the state of Texas.ImmTrac Information for Parents:
How does ImmTrac work?
When a health-care provider gives your child an immunization, and you consent to registering this information, the statewide immunization registry, known as ImmTrac, is notified. ImmTrac will keep an electronic immunization record on your child. Some of the information that is contained in the registry is the child's name, date-of-birth, address, the name of the parent or guardian, information on the shots given, and who gave them. Optional (but very helpful) information stored in ImmTrac is the child's Social Security number and mother's maiden name. This optional information helps prevent duplicate records from being created.
How does ImmTrac help to protect my child?
Providers authorized to use ImmTrac can see what immunizations your child has already had, even if they were given in another city or county. So when you come in for shots, your child gets only those that he or she needs.
This means that your child won't be under-vaccinated and more susceptible to diseases.
Your child won't be over-vaccinated either, so he or she does not have to go through any more discomfort than is necessary.
ImmTrac can also print out a shot record you can use to get your child into school or childcare.
Using ImmTrac, immunization providers can remind you to bring your child in for shots that are due, or to notify you about shots that are overdue.
Who has access to the information?
Your privacy is protected. Your child's immunization information is available only to persons authorized by law to see it. Only doctors, schools, childcare centers, and public health providers with ImmTrac issued identification numbers and passwords may view the information.
For more information contact the school nurses at your child's campus.
PICTURES: (Top) - East campus nurse Anna Medina (left) and Northeast campus nurse Donella Harris train for the Texas Immunization Registry as Royce Bailey of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services Registry Team looks on. (Below) Nurse Karen Allen has the same duties at the Southwest campus.
For more information contact the school nurses at your child's campus.
PICTURES: (Top) - East campus nurse Anna Medina (left) and Northeast campus nurse Donella Harris train for the Texas Immunization Registry as Royce Bailey of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services Registry Team looks on. (Below) Nurse Karen Allen has the same duties at the Southwest campus.