What is an immunization registry? Wh​at is CAIR?

An immunization registry is a secure web-based database that can store your patients’ immunization records. A registry helps medical practices keep their patients vaccinated on time, avoiding under- or over immunization. All 50 states have immunization registries. Our California Immunization Registry is also known as CAIR. CAIR users pay nothing for software, training and help desk support.

Who can use CAIR​?

CAIR can only be used by authorized medical office staff, hospitals, and public health departments for the purposes of evaluating shot records, sending reminders, billing, and protecting the public health. Programs such as WIC, child care, schools, foster care, and CalWORKs may also be authorized to view shot histories for the children they serve.

What can CAIR do for my practice? 

CAIR reduces the staff time needed to:

• search for or replace patient immunization records.
  
• provide records (“yellow cards” and “blue cards") for school, camp, or other activities.
  
• forecast which vaccines are due.
  
• adminster “just-in-case” immunizations when past shot records are missing.
  
• request shot records from other providers.
  
• prepare reminder notices.
  
• track vaccine inventory.
  

Why should my practice join the regis​try?

AB 1797, a California bill effective January 1, 2023, requires providers to enter immunizations they administer as well as a patient's race and ethnicity into a California immunization registry (CAIR OR RIDE/Healthy Futures).​

CAIR helps your practice:​

• save staff time by eliminating the need to obtain patients' immunization histories.
• give patients instant access to an electronic and printable copy of their vaccination records, often needed for school or work, through the Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) portal in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.
• readily access patients' immunization records to avoid unnecessary shots and missed vaccination opportunities.
• consolidate vaccines administered by different providers in one central location.
• keep patients up to date by making rapid, accurate assessments of the increasingly complex vaccine schedule.
• accurately track coverage rates.
• improve immunization rates. ​
  

What computer equipment is ne​​eded?

Most computers with high-speed internet access are adequate for registry use. 

Who will train our s​taff to use the registry?

CAIR trai​ning is available online for regular or power users. CAIR software is very user-friendly, requiring no prior computer skills. Free Help Desk services are available to answer questions during normal business hours. Call 800-578-7889.​

Ho​w do we ensure data accurac​y?

CAIR software has built-in quality assurance features. Validation procedures identify inaccurate or missing data entered into the registry. For questions on how to correct data, contact the CAIR Help Desk.

How​​ does CAIR integrate with your existing EMR/EHRs?

CAIR is currently able to receive immunization data from EMR/EHRs in HL7 format. Providers interested in data exchange with CAIR should view the 4 Steps to Data Exchange page, then register at the CDPH Gateway/CAIR IZ Portal.

Are patients’ records ​in CAIR kept secure?

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is committed to keeping personal information private and secure as required by state and federal law and state policy. View CDPH's Privacy Policy Statement for more information.

Providers and CAIR staff must abide by confidentiality agreements in order to share patient records. Each viewing of patient records is tracked to maintain an “audit trail.” Moreover, CAIR software has security features to protect confidential data from being seen by unauthorized sources.

Some families might not like the idea of a registry. What are their options?

Although all immunizations administered must be entered into CAIR, families have the choice of whether their records are shared with other CAIR users. Patients must be notified before their records are entered into CAIR. Few families choose not to share records with other CAIR users. Participating families also have the choice whether to receive reminders and to inspect their registry records for accuracy.​

Can I access patient records from anywhere in California?

Yes! 

​​​Visit the CAIR Home Page or contact the CAIR Help Desk at 800-578-7889 or your Local CAIR Representative.