Last Updated: November 7, 2019
I have been in nursing for more than 30 years and have never used a tool like VIIS (the Virginia Immunization Information System). VIIS is the best thing ever invented and everyone in the state should be using it. It has saved me so much time. I do not have to call the providers or the local health departments as much for shot records. Most of my patients are in VIIS with a partial or full record.
VIIS saves the day!
I was able to help a young lady who had come to my office for travel vaccines in the past. She had returned to the U.S. and took another trip to New York. The young lady was involved in an accident and was rushed to a local hospital. The hospital asked if she had received the Td vaccine in the past. The young lady did not know. She called me for help and advice. I was able to find her immunization record in VIIS which showed that she had received the Td vaccine. The young lady did not have to pay for a vaccine that was not needed.
Noticed Vaccine Trends in VIIS
Since gaining access to VIIS, I have noticed trends in the administration of vaccines. A few of the trends are:
- Children between the ages of 14 – 18 years old do not have the 2nd Varicella. This vaccine is highly recommended for travel abroad.
- Infants should be vaccinated with MMR and Varicella before traveling abroad. Even if it is before their required age for the vaccines. The infants are at risk if they do not have these vaccines.
- Patients are getting unnecessary multiple doses of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide vaccine.
VIIS is a very user friendly system. I encourage all providers who administer vaccines to sign-up with VDH and get trained on this system today!