Immunizations

CDC's Comment for draft USCDI v6

The inclusion of a “vaccine code” data element in USCDI v6 is essential to improving the clarity and effectiveness of immunization data management across healthcare systems. Currently, within the Immunizations data class, a data element exists to capture the type of vaccine administered, typically using CVX or NDC codes. However, the term “Immunizations” has caused confusion, as it does not clearly convey that it refers to a specific vaccine code—especially for those working with vaccination data.

To address this, CDC proposes renaming the current “Immunizations” data element to “Vaccine Code.” This revision would eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that references to immunization data within USCDI are both accurate and intuitive.

The term “Vaccine Code” provides a more precise and descriptive representation of the administered vaccine, aligning with the terminology commonly used in clinical and public health contexts. This change would also resolve the duplication of the term “Immunizations,” which currently refers to both a data class and a data element, potentially leading to misinterpretation.

Additionally, adopting “Vaccine Code” promotes alignment with the US Core Implementation Guide, further advancing interoperability and standardization across electronic health record systems.

In summary, renaming the data element to “Vaccine Code” will improve the accuracy, usability, and consistency of immunization data in USCDI—ultimately supporting better data exchange and public health outcomes.

Rename the data element Immunizations to Vaccine Code

The inclusion of the vaccine code in USCDI v6 is essential for enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of immunization data management across healthcare platforms. Currently, within the immunizations data class, there exists an immunizations data element that captures information about the type of vaccine administered, using CVX or NDC codes. However, the term immunizations has often led to confusion, as it does not intuitively refer to vaccine code for those working with vaccination data. 

To address this issue, CDC proposes renaming the immunizations data element to vaccine code. This change will resolve the ambiguity associated with the term “Immunizations” and ensure that discussions about immunization data within USCDI are clear and precise.                                                                                                                                        

The vaccine code data element will provide a more descriptive and accurate representation of the type of vaccine administered, aligning with common terminology used in public health and healthcare settings. This adjustment will also eliminate the confusion caused by the duplicate use of the term immunizations, which currently refers both to a data class and a data element. 

By adopting vaccine code as the standardized term, we also ensure consistency with US Core, further promoting interoperability and clarity across different health information systems. 

In summary, renaming the data element immunizations to vaccine code will enhance the precision, understanding, and consistency of immunization data within USCDI, ultimately supporting better public health outcomes. 

CDC's Comment for draft USCDI v5

Since USCDI Version 1 to current draft v5, the "Immunizations" data class has included an "Immunizations" data element, capturing vaccine type information using CVX or NDC codes. However, confusion often arises regarding this element's meaning and its distinction from the data class. To address this, it's proposed to rename the data element to "Vaccine Code" for clarity, aligning with US Core terminology and resolving naming duplications, thus improving understanding and discussion surrounding immunization data within USCDI.

NCPDP Comments on USCDI draft V3

NCPDP applauds ONC for adding NDC and recommends ONC also add the Lot Number. Lot Number is critical for the reporting of immunizations and is included on the IIS form.