There are two ways to exchange immunization data with the CIR: Electronically with your EHR or Online with the CIR’s Online Registry.
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) together with public and private healthcare professionals and software developers have defined a set of electronic messages that support the national standards for exchanging immunization data. Using Health Level 7 (HL7) standards (PDF) enables interoperability between EHRs, administrative and billing systems.
Since the CIR’s HL7 Web Service specifications were designed in 2009, over 3,363 successful HL7 connections have been made. Web Service is a software that is used over the internet to support interoperable connections between CIR and your facility or practice. Health care practices may choose from over 70 certified EHR vendors who use the standards. For technical specifications, see the CIR HL7 Web Service 2.5.1 Integration Guide. (PDF)
The CIR’s HL7 Web Service data exchange includes the ability for both reporting immunization data with Vaccination Information Update (VXU) messages and querying for patient immunization historical data with Query By Parameter (QBP) messages via an EHR.
Meaningful Use requires adoption of HL7. CIR only supports HL7 2.5.1 format it. For more information about CIR HL7 2.5.1 standards review CIR HL7 Implementation Guide (PDF)
To report immunizations administered, the CIR requires CVX codes alone or with NDC sale. The CIR does not accept the full list of CDC CVX codes, the following link will contain the most up to date list:
If your organization administers vaccines within New York City’s five boroughs and are interested in exchanging data with the CIR, review the following steps:
Each facility, hospital or practice location that administers vaccinations must have a CIR facility code to exchange data with the CIR. The CIR facility code is a unique identifier based on address location and can be obtained by registering with the CIR. If your facility hospital or practice has more than one location that administers immunization within New York City’s five boroughs, each of those locations should have its own CIR facility code.
The CIR facility code is also used to track vaccine administrations, verify compliance for programs like Vaccines for Children and EHR incentivized program active engagement levels.
If you think you may be registered and have forgotten your facility code, enter your information on the registration page for verification to obtain your facility code.The CIR Interoperability team supports EHR vendors and data exchange partners with the HL7 testing and onboarding process. If you have any questions regarding the Onboarding process, send an e-mail to cir_interop@health.nyc.gov. For more support, reference the following EHR Vendor links:
The CIR Interoperability Team supports EHR vendors and data exchange partners with understanding HL7 errors and data exchange issues.
Universal Provider Interface Format (UPIF) (PDF) updated April 1
If you have a programmer, you may compile a file from your electronic system and send it to CIR through a secure website. Request the Universal Provider Interface Format (UPIF) specification document for the format of the file. Send an email with the subject line “UPIF document, WFR account request” to cir-facility-manager@health.nyc.gov for the latest version of UPIF and to obtain access to the secure site to submit your test file.