Perceptions of immunization information systems for collecting pandemic H1N1 immunization data within Canada's public health community: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Immunization information systems (IISs) are electronic registries used to monitor individual vaccination status and assess vaccine coverage. IISs are currently not widely used across Canada- where health jurisdictions employ a range of approaches to capture influenza immunization information. Conducted in advance of the 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign- the objectives of this study were to understand the perceived value of individual-level data and IISs for influenza control- identify ideal system functions- and explore barriers to implementation. METHODS: In July and August 2009- semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants engaged in vaccine delivery and/or pandemic planning at regional- provincial/territorial and federal levels across Canada. Key informants were recruited using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling methodologies. Qualitative analysis was used to extract themes from interview content. RESULTS: Patient management- assessment of vaccine coverage- and ev