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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| What is ALERT? |
| ALERT is a computerized statewide immunization registry. When children receive an immunization at a participating clinic, it is reported to ALERT and becomes a part of the child's immunization history. |
| Why do we need ALERT? |
| Our immunization rates are too low. Most children receive their immunizations at more than one provider. This makes keeping a complete immunization record difficult. ALERT will keep track of children's immunization records in one location, so that less time is spent tracking down immunization records that are hard to find. |
| Who pays for ALERT? |
| ALERT is a public/private partnership. Approximately half of the funding for ALERT comes from public and private providers and health plans. The rest of the funding comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DHS Health Services and the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP). |
| Who has access to ALERT's information? |
| By law, only authorized users are allowed to access immunization information in ALERT. Authorized users include health care providers, parents, county health departments, schools, and child care facilities. Health care providers may only obtain information on children currently under their care. Schools and child care facilities may only access records on their enrollees. Parents and guardians may also obtain information on their own child's immunizations. |
| My patients are fully immunized--why would I be interested in participating in ALERT? |
| Most recent data show that only 72% of Oregon two-year-olds are up-to-date for their baby shots, placing Oregon around 36th in the nation. Studies show that children in Oregon typically receive immunizations from more than one provider, making it difficult for providers to guarantee that their patients are up-to-date. |
| Is ALERT mandatory? |
| No, but the ALERT system has several benefits to health care providers. Currently, about 86% of private clinics in Oregon are enrolled in the ALERT system and 100% of public clinics are part of the system. With all private and public providers contributing to the ALERT system, the system will function at its best--giving both providers and parents the information they need to raise immunization rates to 90% by the year 2010. |
| Do I have to have a computer in order to participate in and access ALERT? |
| No. Data can be submitted to ALERT through hard copy or through electronic means. Users can access ALERT data by phone, fax, email, or through our secure Web site (www.immalert.org). |
| What happens when the immunization schedule changes? Will the ALERT forecasting system reflect those changes? |
| Yes. The ALERT system will stay current with the ACIP/AAP/AAFP schedule for immunizations.
More Questions? Give us a call at (800) 980-9431. |
Our website's database was last updated on 2/2/2010
with 27,672,535 immunizations.
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