Immunizations or ‘shots’ prevent serious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) screening tests help to determine if you may have TB infection and can be required for school or work. Keeping track of shots/TB tests you have received can be hard. It’s especially hard if more than one doctor gave them. Today, doctors use a secure computer system called an immunization registry to keep track of shots and TB tests. If you change doctors, your new doctor can use the registry to see the shot/TB test record. It’s your right to limit who is able to access your records in the California Immunization Registry (CAIR).
How Does a Registry Help You?
- Keeps track of all shots and TB tests (skin tests/chest x-rays), so you don’t miss any or get too many
- Sends reminders when you or your child need shots
- Gives you a copy of the shot/TB record from the doctor
- Can show proof about shots/TB tests needed to start child care, school, or a new job
How Does a Registry Help Your Health Care Team?
Doctors, nurses, health plans, and public health agencies use the registry to:
- See which shots/TB tests are needed
- Prevent disease in your community
- Remind you about shots needed
- Help with record-keeping
Can Schools or Other Programs See the Registry?
Yes, but this is limited. Schools, child care, and other agencies allowed under California law may:
- See which shots/TB tests children need
- Make sure children meet requirements for shots and TB tests needed to start child care or school
What Information Can Be Shared in a Registry?
- patient’s name, sex, and birth date
- limited information to identify patients
- parents’ or guardians’ names
- details about a patient’s shots/TB tests or medical exemptions
What’s entered in the registry is treated like other private medical information. Misuse of the registry can be punished by law.
Under California law, only your doctor’s office, health plan, or public health department may see your address and phone number.
Health officials can also look at the registry to protect public health.
Patient and Parent Rights
It’s your legal right to ask your provider:
- to prevent other providers and schools from accessing your (or your child’s) registry records
- not to send shot appointment reminders
- for a copy of your or your child’s shot/TB test records
- who has seen the records and to change any mistakes