Panhandle Health District

                                                              8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     June 16, 2010                

Contact:                                                                                  Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Immunization Reminder Service Becomes Automatic

Hayden – Starting July 1, patients receiving immunizations at the Panhandle Health District (PHD) and other immunization providers throughout the state will be enrolled automatically in Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Service (IRIS).

              Patients may choose not to participate in IRIS and will need to contact the Idaho Immunization Program at 334-5931 for removal. Removal forms are available at www.immunizeidaho.com.

              IRIS is a web-based program that keeps track of immunizations received and when vaccinations are due. The 2010 Legislature voted to change IRIS participation from an opt-in to an opt-out process.

              Idaho participates in Vaccines for Children, a federal program. Under the program, the state covers the costs for vaccines for children up to age 19. PHD charges an administration fee on a sliding scale based on income.

              For more information on immunizations and a schedule of when immunizations are due, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.