Immunization Regulation Information

Assessment and Immunization Reporting

Reporting of an Adverse Event Following Immunization;
Maintenance of Vaccine Viability

In December 2018, the Alberta government introduced requirements to standardize practices for all immunization providers, regardless of whether a vaccine is provincially funded or privately purchased. These requirements are part of the Alberta Immunization Regulation.

As of December 17, 2018:

Health practitioners shall ensure that adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) are reported to Alberta Health Services within 3 days of becoming aware of the event.
The Immunization Regulation also sets out requirements for vaccine, storage, handling and transportation.

As of January 1, 2021:

Health practitioners will be required to ensure a report respecting immunizations and assessments is electronically submitted to Alberta Health within 7 days. Of note, retroactive reporting will be accepted but is not required unless a new immunization assessment is completed.
Alberta Health has developed a web application called Immunization Direct Submission Mechanism (IDSM) to allow health practitioners to manually enter and submit immunization and assessment event information from a browser.

Immunization Regulation Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to submit immunization and assessment information to Alberta Health?

The Immunization Regulation requires health practitioners to electronically submit immunizations and assessments to Alberta Health within 7 days. Alberta Health requires a comprehensive and timely source of immunization data in order to monitor the health of Albertans and make recommendations related to immunization services, by looking at immunization coverages rates, and detecting, managing and preventing outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.

How is the Immunization Regulation enforced?

The Regulation rests under the Public Health Act and uses the enforcement mechanisms within the Public Health Act such as fines. Additionally, Alberta Health works closely with professional regulatory bodies to address any concerns that are raised regarding compliance with the Regulation.