Data Privacy and MIIC Records

The Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) is a statewide immunization information system that stores electronic immunization records. MIIC combines immunizations a person has received into a single record, even if the vaccines were given by different health care providers in the state. MIIC also offers members of the public an easy way to keep track of immunization records for school, child care, athletic programs, camp entry, military, and employment.

How do immunization records get into MIIC?

An immunization record is created in MIIC a couple different ways.

• The Office of Vital Records at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shares birth data with MIIC, which creates a MIIC immunization record.
• A clinic or health care facility creates an immunization record which is then submitted to MIIC to create a new MIIC record. After that, any future data submitted to MIIC will be added to that record. This allows MIIC to combine immunization information from multiple providers to create a single record.

How are immunization records protected?

Protecting people's privacy is very important to MIIC and the Minnesota Department of Health. MIIC is password-protected and accessible only by authorized users. The data in MIIC are classified as private and protected by the Minnesota Immunization Data Sharing Law, Minnesota Statues, Section 144.3351. Organizations participating in MIIC must sign a user agreement that outlines the privacy and security terms for authorized users.

How can I change the privacy settings of my or my child's MIIC record?

You always have the option to change the privacy settings for your or your child's immunization record in MIIC. If you choose to change your or your child's privacy settings in MIIC you may do so at any time. Options include:

• Declining immunization reminders
  MDH or another public health agency may use MIIC to help them identify recommended vaccines and remind you about these immunizations. You may choose to decline these immunization reminders.
• Limiting access
  A person may decide to have their MIIC record "locked" to their current health care provider. Once a MIIC record is locked it cannot be viewed by other organizations, including other health care providers, schools, and child cares. Anyone who decides to lock their MIIC record may elect to unlock the record at any time or have it locked to a different health care provider.
• Opting out 
  A person may decide to opt-out of participating in MIIC. After an individual opts-out of MIIC, the demographic record is locked so it is not available to any MIIC users. The record is not deleted because that is the only way to ensure users do not re-enroll the same individual. Anyone who initially decides to opt-out may elect at a later time to opt-in. There is no penalty to choosing not to participate in MIIC.
• Opting in
  A person may decide to opt back into participating in MIIC. This will restore access to your or your child's MIIC record. Please note that records which were previously purged cannot be recovered and will require additional steps to add that immunization information to MIIC.

If you would like to update your or your child's privacy settings in MIIC, complete the MIIC Public Inquiry Form request. If you have any additional questions, please contact the MIIC Public Inquiry Program at health.immrecords@state.mn.us.

How do I get notified of my or my child's record being in MIIC?

Letting people know that they have a record in MIIC is an important part of MIIC outreach efforts. People are notified regarding their participation in MIIC and their right to limit participation in a number of ways:

• Parent Notice of Official Birth Record
  After the birth of a baby, the new parents/guardians are given a copy of the "Parent Notice of Official Birth Record." On this form is a statement that notifies the parents/guardians of their child's automatic participation in MIIC. The statement explains that the information from the child's birth record is given to MIIC and also provides information on how to limit participation in MIIC. This form is distributed by most Minnesota counties, but counties do have the option to create their own form, too. In the event of a home birth, the state of Minnesota gives this form to all parents/guardians.
• Keep Them Safe Vaccinate brochure
  Many birthing centers give new parents the "Keep Them Safe Vaccinate" brochure which provides information on childhood immunizations, MIIC as a source for immunization records, and who to contact for questions or to limit participation in MIIC.
• Clinic and health care locations
  Health care facilities that use MIIC are responsible for notifying their patients about their participation in MIIC. Materials such as MIIC brochures, posters, and displays are available from MDH for use in waiting and exam rooms.
• Minnesota Department of Health website
  Information about MIIC is available on the MDH website. For more information on MIIC please see the MIIC and the Public page.