In response to a resolution passed at the Academy’s 2016 Members Assembly, President Ryan Kauffman, MD, has written to Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Richard Hodges encouraging ODH to update the statewide computerized immunization registry so that physicians and other health care professionals can review and record adult immunizations in the registry as is done with child immunizations.
Dr. Kauffman’s letter, in accordance with provisions of the resolution, asks that the state registry system be developed in a way that allows patients to have read only access to their own immunization record.
“Vaccines decrease the burden of disease, improve health, and decrease health care costs. Those of us on the front lines of health care delivery and those who work in public health know all too well of the weaknesses that exist with tracking adult immunizations. Strengthening the adult immunization infrastructure is vital if we are to have success in improving access to adult vaccines.
We urge ODH to look at other state programs that have developed effective systems to provide and track adult immunizations as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The more than 4,900 family physician, family medicine resident, and medical student members of the OAFP urge ODH to act now to put a better system in place. Far too many adults are not getting needed immunizations. That failure puts the health of all Ohioans at risk.”
In addition, the OAFP has asked that this issue be discussed further at the Ohio Coalition of Primary Care Physicians meeting scheduled for Friday, September 30.