Massachusetts Immunization Information System
MIIS

Sample Language for Patient Encounters

Below you will find sample language you may want to incorporate into your registration process to facilitate informing parents and patients about the MIIS. This language, in addition to the MIIS Fact Sheet for Parents and Patients, the MIIS Posters, and the Letter/Email Template to Help You Inform Your Patients, is another tool to help you fulfill your legal obligation to discuss the MIIS with parents and patients.

Sample language for informing parents and patients about the MIIS
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 111, Section 24M) requires providers to report immunization information to a computerized immunization registry known as the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS).  The MIIS stores immunization records for you and your healthcare provider and can help prevent outbreaks of disease like measles and the flu. All information in the MIIS is kept secure and confidential.  The MIIS allows information to be shared with health care providers, school nurses, local boards of health, and state agencies concerned with immunization.  You have the right to object to the sharing of your immunization information across providers in the MIIS.  
For more information, please ask your healthcare provider, visit the MIIS website at www.mass.gov/dph/miis or contact the Massachusetts Immunization Program directly at 617-983-6800 or 888-658-2850.