Definitions

Authorized Recipient means an individual or agency the Department may release immunization information to for specified purposes without further express consent of the Immunization Recipient or legally authorized representative of the Immunization Recipient. An authorized recipient may not access the MIIS until the authorized recipient becomes a MIIS site or MIIS user. Data Sharing Objection or Objection to Data Sharing means a patient's indication of an objection to sharing the patient's immunization information across MIIS users. A data sharing objection shall not limit the Department's access to and use of immunization information. Data Sharing Objection Form means a mechanism as determined by the Department by which an Immunization Recipient or legally authorized representative of the Immunization Recipient may indicate a data sharing objection. The indication of an objection to data sharing via a Data Sharing Objection Form shall not limit the Department's access to and use of immunization information. Department means the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. EHR means an electronic health record. Electronic Data Exchange means the electronic interchange of information or data using a standardized format that allows one entity to send information to another electronically rather than with paper. GUI means a web-based graphical user interface as designated by the department for authorized users to access the MIIS. Health Care Provider means a licensed health care provider who is legally authorized to administer immunizations in Massachusetts. Health Plans means commercial health insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., health maintenance organizations offering or renewing insured health products in Massachusetts, to Massachusetts residents, and MassHealth. 105 CMR - 1202.1 (Mass. Register #1528, 8/16/2024) Immunization means a vaccine or immunoglobulin, or other antibodypreparation, that introduces active or passive immunity to a specific disease or group of diseases. Immunization Information means any data contained in the MIIS that relate to an individual immunization recipient or that may, in the determination of the Department, be used to identify an individual immunization recipient. Immunization Recipient means an individual who received or will receive an immunization. Legally Authorized Representative means a parent, guardian, or person or agency legally authorized to act on behalf of the legally authorized representative in the event the legally authorized representative is not legally able to act on their own behalf. MIIS means the Massachusetts Immunization Information System. MIIS User means an individual who is an Authorized Recipient and has registered and agreed to comply with all terms and conditions developed and set forth by the Department, which may include, but not be limited to, user and confidentiality agreements. MIIS Site means a fixed or mobile location with MIIS users that has registered and agreed to comply with all terms and conditions developed and set forth by the Department, which may include, but not be limited to, user and confidentiality agreements. VIS means Vaccine Information Statements, which are information sheets produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives the risks and benefits of a vaccine and mayalso include fact sheets or other information required by the CDC or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VFC means the federal Vaccines For Children Program.