About I-CARE

The basics on the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE)

On this page:
What is I-CARE?
What is the purpose of I-CARE?
What about security and patient confidentiality?

What is I-CARE

I-CARE, or Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange, is a web based immunization record-sharing application developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The application allows public and private health care providers to share the immunization records of Illinois residents with other physicians statewide.

Besides keeping track of the immunizations a child has already received, I-CARE forecasts immunization due dates based on the nationally recognized “Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule.” These recommendations are approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

What is the purpose of I-CARE?

I-CARE is designed to help health care provider’s record, track and report their patients’ immunizations. The registry allows physicians to access patient records for information about immunizations administered outside their practices. Provider participation is voluntary and not all providers within the state choose to participate in the registry. Patient participation is also voluntary. Patients wishing not to have their information included in the registry may opt-out at their provider.

What about security and patient confidentiality

I-CARE is designed to protect patient confidentiality while providing access to statewide registry information. Confidentiality is maintained through several security controls.

Open access to the statewide registry is not allowed. Only registered I-CARE users have access to the data and information is available only on a need-to-know basis. In other words, an I-CARE user cannot browse through patient records. Specific name or ID search criteria must be used to access information in the statewide registry.

For more information, please review the I-CARE Confidentiality Policy