AB 1797 immunization registry update

On January 1, 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1797. The bill updates the current immunization registry statute, Health and Safety Code Section 120440. The purpose of this update is to share additional information, including updated resources to support providers in meeting the new immunization registry requirement.

AB 1797 requires care providers and other agencies — including schools, childcare facilities, family childcare homes, and county human services agencies — to disclose specified immunization information. It adds the patient’s race and ethnicity to the list of information that may be disclosed. The bill additionally authorizes schools, childcare facilities, family childcare homes, and county human services agencies to use the specified immunization information, for the COVID-19 public health emergency, to perform immunization status assessments of pupils, adults, and clients to ensure health and safety. These institutions and care providers are subject to civil action and criminal penalties for the wrongful disclosure of the information.

AB 1797 applies to both Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal) and the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program. It imposes a state-mandated local program until January 1, 2026.

What do providers need to do?

With the passage of AB 1797, California providers who administer vaccines will be required to enter:

• Immunization information into the California Immunization Registry. The reporting requirement includes newly recommended immunizations, such as:
  • Nirsevimab to prevent severe RSV disease for infants and toddlers.
  • RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older.
• Race and ethnicity information for each patient in the immunization registry to support assessment of health disparities in immunization coverage.
• Tuberculosis tests administered and the test result.

All vaccines administered to patients of all ages must be submitted. However, patients can decline to state their race or ethnicity. In these instances, providers can select the prefer not to say field.

Patients may have concerns about privacy. Care providers should explain to them that the California Immunization Registry is safe and private. By law, it can be used only by authorized people in their medical office or health plan.

In addition, schools, childcare centers, foster care agencies, and other programs are only authorized to look up shot records for the children they serve. The registry can only be used to check shot records, see which shots are due, and see how many children need shots.

Questions can be answered by visiting AB 1797 Immunization Registry FAQs or care providers may contact your local provider relationship management or facility site review nurse representative.

Resources to support this requirement

Not yet enrolled? Enroll now!

Joining CAIR helps providers meet requirements for AB 1797, Medi-Cal, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. There are many other benefits to participating in an immunization registry: save time, improve patient care, boost immunization rates, and quickly run vaccine reports to access data for reporting.

Refer to the How to Enroll in CAIR2 page for guidance on the CAIR2 setup that works best for your practice and contact your Local CAIR Representative with any questions.

If you immunize patients in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, or Tuolumne counties visit myhealthyfutures.org and contact the Healthy Futures/RIDE Help Desk at 209-468-2292 or support@myhealthyfutures.org to enroll.

Not sure if you’re already enrolled or need to update your account?

If you are not sure if your practice is already enrolled or need to update your read-only account to be able to submit doses, contact the CAIR Help Desk (CAIRHelpdesk@cdph.ca.gov or 800-578-7889) or your local CAIR representative.