Did you know that the Indiana Legislature made a law requiring your doctor to submit YOUR VACCINE RECORDS to the state vaccine registry without your permission?
 
It seems pretty dystopian, right?
 
The law requiring submission took effect back in 2015, so if you or your children have received a vaccination since then, you are on the registry.

Many Hoosiers do not realize that their family's data is being collected and stored via the Childhood and Hoosier Immunization Registry (CHIRP).

Not only is this data stored on the state registry and accessed by the health department, schools, and medical entities, but it is also shared with federal agencies.
 
The extent to which data is shared is difficult to discern.
 
We know the registry contains the individual’s vaccine records, name, address, and demographics, which raises red flags in light of the COVID pandemic, contact tracing, lockdowns, and segregation.
 
The danger increases in the presence of another law allowing a public health authority to place Hoosiers under quarantine for exposure to a communicable disease outbreak (IC 16-41-9-1.6).

Yet another that allows a public health authority to issue an immediate order for isolation or quarantine if the number of people included makes it impractical to get a court order (IC 16-41-9-1.5).
 
That same law allows for isolation or quarantine of a minor outside the home and an accompanying parent may be required to take a vaccine to stay with their child, unless it violates a constitutional right (read: freedom of religion).

The potential implications of these laws coupled with the vaccine registry create a recipe for tyranny.

The reason for concern doesn't stop there!

You must ask: What other information is the state collecting on Hoosiers?

Earlier this year, I called the county health department to obtain my vaccine records before removing myself from the registry.
 
I was simply trying to get my “pin number” so that I could access MY records on “My Vax Indiana”.

The person on the phone demanded that I share my INSURANCE INFORMATION and answer other personal questions.
 
When I declined and stated I wanted to access my online record, the individual refused, stating I would have to go down to the office to obtain a printout without answering the questions.
 
The questions were not to verify my identity, but rather to mine my personal information.
 
Not only was I denied access to my record, but the health department was attempting to coerce me into releasing personal information.
 
Interestingly, I called a healthcare provider, and they were able to tell me that I was “in the system”, but I did not have any vaccinations listed.
 
The health department was going to force me to drive into the office to find out that they did NOT have my vaccine records because I wouldn’t give them my PERSONAL information.
 
Would that information have been added to my CHIRP record or is it for another registry?

I was only told it was the health department's policy, not who had access to it, how it would be shared or any other details. That's an investigation for another day.

What is CHIRP?

CHIRP, the Childhood and Hoosier Immunization Registry, is a statewide immunization registry in Indiana designed to track and manage immunization records. It's a tool utilized by healthcare providers, schools, and public health officials to track vaccination rates in accordance with CDC schedules.
Why Should Hoosiers Be Concerned?
While the intentions of CHIRP are touted as “convenience” and “accuracy”, Hoosiers must be aware of the potential risks associated with vaccine registries:

1. Privacy Concerns: Any time personal information is collected and stored, there's a risk of it being accessed or used inappropriately, such as during an “outbreak” or “pandemic”.
   
2. Data Breaches: No system is entirely immune to data breaches, and if CHIRP were to be compromised, sensitive information about Hoosiers could fall into the wrong hands.
3. Surveillance and Tracking: Some Hoosiers may be uncomfortable with the idea of their family's immunization records being part of a government-managed registry, due to surveillance or tracking. Historically, parents using religious and medical exemptions for children attending public schools have received letters threatening expulsion for not being in compliance with the law. These letters do not mention the use of exemptions and are used to bully parents into vaccinating against their beliefs.

How to Opt-Out of CHIRP

Unfortunately, your permission is not required to enter the information. However, you do have the right to opt out of CHIRP. Here's how:

1. Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider that you do not wish for your information to be entered into CHIRP. They should have access to opt-out forms through their portal. I have found that they have little knowledge of this, so you might face some difficulties. I don’t believe that it is due to obstinance, but a lack of knowledge of the system or Hoosiers opting out because they don’t know that the registry exists.
   
2. Submit a Written Request: You can also submit an opt-out form to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to REMOVE your records from CHIRP. This is the same form as above, but under section B, you will check the second box. Keep reading, though, because we have had reports of children being added back to the registry.
3. Maintain and Monitor Your Family's Records: Keep track of your family's immunization records yourself. If you use a religious exemption within the school and do not disclose your child's vaccination status, your child may be excluded from school when an outbreak occurs. If your child has had any immunizations, you will want to keep these records so that your child can return to class in the event of an outbreak.
   

H4ML works hard to ensure you have the information you need.

If you appreciate the work we have done here, please take a moment to donate and support our mission.

Image of PDF describing how to complete CHIRP opt-out form.

Click to download a PDF of the image above.

Preventing Schools/Healthcare providers from Entering Records

In addition to opting out of CHIRP, parents should be proactive in preventing schools from entering their child's records back into the system:

1. Know Your Rights: In Indiana, parents have the right to opt out of CHIRP.
   
2. Communicate with School Officials: Clearly communicate your wishes to school administrators regarding your child's immunization records. Provide them with a copy of the opt-out form. Some schools have switched authorization to access CHIRP to a check box on electronic registration forms without the ability to opt-out. You have the right to decline. The school has the responsibility to provide a means of opting out. We have had reports of children’s records being added back in and the process of record removal needing to be repeated.
3. Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Supply a copy of the opt-out form to each of your providers as well.
4. Remember, You Have the Right to Religious Exemption: Religious exemptions nullify vaccine requirements. If you are threatened or harassed, know your rights. You are not required to use the school's forms, nor are you required to sign an acknowledgement or "consequences" form. Read more on exemptions here.

However, state law does allow the exclusion of students with exemptions during outbreaks. Your child has the right to free public education, and as with covid, we know that students can be accommodated at home.

We hope that this information has been helpful in your informed decision-making process regarding your family’s personal health records.

Do your friends and family need this information?

Have them text 260-286-0988 the word: REGISTRY