The District of Columbia Immunization Information System (DOCIIS), also known as DC’s immunization registry, is an online system that collects, stores, tracks and monitors vaccinations across the lifespan for residents and visitors to DC.
DOCIIS is the Immunization Program’s key tool for tracking individual- and population- level immunization data in DC. The IIS provides access to real-time immunization data to immunization stakeholders including healthcare providers, pharmacies, healthcare payers, and schools and licensed child development centers. The information in the DOCIIS is kept private and confidential, and only authorized users are able to access the data in the IIS.
- Healthcare providers can use DOCIIS to check their patients’ immunization histories and find out which vaccinations are due.
- Schools and licensed child development center can use DOCIIS to track compliance with DC’s immunization laws and regulations.
- DOCIIS is also a key source of information for providers on the District’s immunization requirements and the national recommendations issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Information for DC Families
When you or someone in your family gets a vaccine in the District, information about that vaccine may be added to DC’s immunization information system (DOCIIS).
By putting your vaccine information into the DOCIIS, it can help you keep an accurate record of your immunization history throughout your lifetime, even if you received vaccines in different places. In addition, your vaccine information is available when your healthcare providers or schools need it.
IIS also help public health to keep track of vaccinations provided in DC to help purchase needed vaccines, control vaccine-preventable diseases, and avoid disease outbreaks.
Every state in the U.S. and some large cities, including DC, have their own IIS. All states collect data on child vaccinations to put into the IIS (though the cut-off age varies by state) and most states now also record adult immunizations in their IIS.
What are the benefits of having my family’s vaccine records saved in the DOCIIS?
- Helps to make sure that your family doesn’t miss any recommended vaccines or need to be revaccinated if their vaccine records get lost
- Sends reminders when you or your family members need vaccines, usually through phone, text or mail
- Allows you to quickly get a copy of your and/or your child’s vaccine record from the healthcare provider
- Makes sure your child has all of the vaccines needed to start daycare, school and camp, or to travel
How Can I Get My Family’s Vaccine Records?
If you need official copies of immunization records for yourself and/or your children, or if you are trying to update your family’s personal records, there are several places you can look:
- Contact DOCIIS to request a copy of your and/or your children’s immunization records. Download the Authorization to Release Immunization Record Form, fill it out and return the completed form to doh.immunization@dc.gov.
- Contact the Immunization Information System in the state where you/your children received your most recent vaccinations to see if records exist and to request official copies.
- Check with your children’s school(s). Some schools keep on file the immunization records of children who attended. However, schools generally keep these records for only a year or two after the student graduates, transfers to another school or leaves the school system.
- Check with your/your children’s college(s) medical/student health services. Many colleges provide vaccinations, especially if the vaccines are required for attendance.
- If you are an adult, ask your parents or other caregivers if they have records of your childhood immunizations. You can also look through baby books or other documents from your childhood. You can also check with your previous employers, including the military, that may have required vaccinations.
Information for Immunization Providers in the District
If you are an immunization provider, school nurse, or childcare facility staff member, please email dociis.helpdesk@dc.gov to request access to DOCIIS. Users are expected to complete DOCIIS 2.0 training prior to receiving a username and password to access DOCIIS 2.0.
If you are already a trained user with a password, access DOCIIS 2.0 online.
For more information and answers to other questions about DOCIIS, visit DC Health’s DOCIIS web page.
Meaningful Use (MU): Public Health Reporting
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized to make incentive payments to eligible professionals and eligible hospitals demonstrating meaningful use of certified Electronic Health Recording (EHR) technology. Learn more about using your EHR to submit electronic data to the DOCIIS for public health reporting under MU. Please complete the Meaningful Use Public Health Reporting Registration Form to start electronic reporting to DOCIIS.
