July 11, 2006

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced that the Michigan Childhood Immunization Registry will now be known as the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).

The original registry was limited to children's immunization records and has now been expanded to extend records into adulthood for individuals, born on or after January 1, 1994, that choose to participate.

"This enhancement will greatly benefit all citizens throughout the State of Michigan," said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "By extending the life of the records, we reduce the risk of over or under immunizing Michigan citizens."

MCIR is now a birth to death registry in which individuals will no longer be deleted from the registry at 20 years of age. Individuals are able to opt out of the registry.

MCIR benefits health care organizations, schools and licensed child care programs, but most importantly, Michigan's citizens by consolidating immunization information from multiple providers which prevents over-vaccinating, and allows providers to see up to date immunization histories on their patients.

MCIR will also assist with pandemic flu preparedness activities and will track vaccines and medications during a public health emergency.