Immunization data management by use of electronic registration system in Iran Immunology

In ۱۹۸۳, the National Immunization Committee was established within the Ministry of Health. By ۱۹۸۴, vaccination became an integral part of the country's Primary Health Care (PHC) network. Although childhood vaccination existed before the Islamic Revolution, there was no organized system to ensure equal access for all children. In ۱۹۸۴, the national immunization coverage stood at only ۳۵%. However, through organized planning, investment in infrastructure, and the recruitment and training of human resources, vaccination coverage rapidly increased. By ۱۹۹۳, over ۹۵% of children had received the third dose of the DTP vaccine. Iran has a century-long history of vaccine production. The Pasteur Institute of Iran and the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, have produced a lot of EPI vaccines including BCG and hepatitis B, OPV, Measles, Measles-Rubella, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, DT, and Td. Currently, over ۱۸,۳۴۰ health houses in rural areas and about ۷,۰۰۰ urban health posts provide vaccination services throughout the week. Through the maternal tetanus vaccination program and the promotion of safe deliveries, Iran achieved neonatal tetanus elimination status in ۱۹۹۵. Prior to this, neonatal tetanus accounted for one-quarter of all neonatal deaths. The establishment of electronic health systems and internet access for health houses in rural areas has been a significant step toward enhancing public health programs. All services provided at urban and rural health centers are now recorded in children's electronic health records. This has enabled more accurate and efficient management of immunization data. Cases of delayed attendance (over three days) are identified through the electronic system, and follow-up phone calls are made to families to encourage timely visits. However, the existence of multiple platforms (SIB, SINA, NAB, and PARSA) without proper integration has complicated program monitoring. Currently, efforts are underway to develop a unified and cohesive network. In ۲۰۲۴, a dedicated software system for managing health network equipment and assets-including all administrative and technical tools, such as cold chain equipment was implemented. The system requires regular and accurate data entry. Using the information collected through this platform, the modernization and upgrading of the cold chain can be carried out with greater precision.