Immunizations Public Record?

[Supernrse01, BSN]

I just had a nurse from a local pediatric office tell me that I needed to inform our secretary that immunizations are public records so if someone calls to ask for them, she should release them or at least transfer her to the nurse at the school. (This was after the secretary informed her that she could not even discuss with her if we have a student by that name in our district) Am I missing something? Did something change and I didn't get the memo?

I mean, our secretary, I feel, did exactly what she should have done. (She did transfer the call to my voicemail so that the nurse could get the info she needed)

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i have never heard of immunizations being public record. Certainly there is a level of interaction with my records and the public health nurse and i rarely get an issue if I call a doctor's office requesting records - but i consider both of these appropriate exchange of information. But I needed to get clearance and training to get access to the state database of immunization records and I would never dream of discussing whether or not a certain student was vaccinated with another parent.

[GdBSN, RN]

I would be leery of anyone demanding that I provide information on a student. If they need information, the mother of the student could call or come to the school to get the information. A physician's office should have access to the state database and get the information for themselves.

[Eleven011]

I have access to our states immunization database, but only after I have signed paperwork from a parent giving permission. I find it hard to believe I could go and ask for my next door neighbors immunizations records, and be given them.

[Supernrse01, BSN]

I was like, "Am I going crazy?" The nurse certainly didn't like it when I told her my secretary had done exactly what she should have done in that situation.

[amoLucia]

I was like, "Am I going crazy?" The nurse certainly didn't like it when I told her my secretary had done exactly what she should have done in that situation.

Am wondering if it was truly a 'nurse' or an MA? (My bold.)

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

I have access to our states immunization database, but only after I have signed paperwork from a parent giving permission. I find it hard to believe I could go and ask for my next door neighbors immunizations records, and be given them.

I wish we had a database!

[GmaPearl BSN RN]

We have a state immunization data base and it is often helpful. But, it is only as good as the providers who enter the immunizations...

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

We have a state immunization data base and it is often helpful. But, it is only as good as the providers who enter the immunizations...

True that. I have hit so many kiddos with no info or incomplete info. Or health care providers that have linked sorta of - meaning they haven't clicked the button to actually share the info with other health care providers...

[tining, BSN, RN]

Immunizations are public record, but I would only exchange with new school, MD office, parent. I would NOT give to any rando.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I think the term "public record" is what's throwing people off. The need for HIPAA consent don't apply for vaccinations, and of course, FERPA allows one school to send medical records to another (transfer) without consent.