This part of the immunization information systems (IIS) data modernization (DM) blog series will discuss planning and implementing IIS modernization to strengthen the immunization program while aligning with and advancing agency-wide data modernization.
In Part 1 of this series, we explored how modern-day modernization extends beyond technology to include people, processes, policies, governance, workforce, and agency strategy. Successful modernization begins with assessment and planning, but these alone do not create change.
Technology alone doesn't modernize the public health agency
Technology implementation is only one part of modernization.
Implementation also requires:
- updating business processes
- preparing staff for change
- strengthening governance
- communicating effectively
- training users
- measuring adoption and outcomes
- communicating the vision and value of modernization
At its core, modernization is predominantly a change management effort. Successful implementation relies on preparing and assisting people, as well as the agency, to adopt the change. This can be done through consistent communication, addressing concerns, removing barriers, and reinforcing modernization benefits throughout the implementation and post-implementation phases. These change management activities are often just as important, if not more so, as the technical work itself.
Modernization succeeds when people and the agency as a whole adopt new ways of working, not simply when a new system goes live.
For IIS, implementation means more than deploying new technology. Implementation includes improving interoperability, strengthening data quality, modernizing workflows, supporting providers, enhancing cybersecurity, and building workforce capabilities to sustain change.s
Modernize the IIS, but not in isolation
Every immunization program has its own modernization priorities, implementation timeline, and operational requirements. However, IIS modernization should not occur in isolation.
Successful modernization is an agency-wide effort that requires leadership, collaboration, planning, communication, and continuous improvement. Public health agencies across the country are investing in broader data modernization initiatives, including enterprise data governance, cloud infrastructure, analytics, workforce development, and shared data services. As highlighted in ASTHO’s Toolkit for Public Health Leaders on Modernizing Data Infrastructure and Data Modernization Primer, these efforts are transforming how public health agencies manage and use data in today’s paradigm.
Data Modernization Planning emphasizes that modernization succeeds when agencies intentionally build workforce capabilities alongside technology investments. That same principle applies to IIS modernization. Rather than building parallel capabilities, IIS programs should identify development and cross-training opportunities that support and leverage agency-wide investments.
Consider asking, "How can we modernize the IIS in a way that strengthens—and benefits from—the agency's broader modernization efforts?"
This shift in perspective helps reduce duplication of effort, improve coordination, and maximize the value of modernization investments.
The fundamental premise of data modernization for IIS is to align it with the agency’s goals. The intent is to identify, prioritize, and implement initiatives that modernize the IIS while simultaneously adding “collective” value to the entire agency. By implementing modernization initiatives in this way, programs can break down silos and reinforce both the program-specific and agency-wide objectives.
This approach to collective value encourages agency leaders to think beyond their individual projects and consider how each modernization activity within the data modernization plan contributes to the agency’s long-term vision. When modernization decisions are made within the context of broader agency priorities, individual projects become building blocks for enterprise transformation rather than isolated improvements.
Successful IIS modernization isn’t just about upgrading technology; it also considers how the IIS works, improving operational efficiencies, growing the workforce and supporting the broader public health agency.
Tools and tips
Use the tips and tools below to help guide your successful modernization implementation.
Build partnerships before building solutions
Engage key partners early, including informatics, IT, epidemiology, surveillance programs, Medicaid, legal counsel, privacy and security officers, and executive leadership, to strengthen IIS modernization planning.
This engagement creates shared ownership rather than positioning the IIS as the sole driver of change. Modernization becomes easier when partners understand the vision, recognize their role, and see how the work supports both program and agency priorities.
Partner mapping helps programs and agencies identify internal and external stakeholders who influence, support, and/or benefit from modernization. Building collaborative relationships with these partners enables shared expertise, coordinated projects, and aligned priorities across the agency.
Leverage what's already being built
Modernization doesn’t always require building anew. IIS can leverage existing agency investments in enterprise platforms, cloud hosting, analytics, integration services, or identity management.
Inventorying current data assets, technology, and capabilities reveals hidden opportunities. Understanding the uses and challenges of these assets enables smarter investments and aligns modernization with broader enterprise initiatives.
Refer to recommendations within the ASTHO Data Modernization Tactical Guides for executing modernization strategies to reduce duplication and promote modernization investments that benefit multiple programs.
Before implementing a new solution, ask:
- Does this capability already exist within the agency?
- Can an enterprise solution meet our needs?
- Can this investment benefit other public health programs?
Invest in the workforce to sustain modernization
Technology can be purchased. Capability must be developed.
Modernization requires professionals who understand the public health ecosystem, specifically the systems, data, processes, and policies. Successful data modernization efforts also require investments in workforce development, including data science, informatics, and now artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure agency staff are knowledgeable about and able to adopt and adapt to the changes.
To reinforce and encourage persistent application of changes, agencies should create opportunities for continuous learning. Modernization is not a one-time event, and neither is workforce development. Building agency skills and knowledge in technical expertise, as well as project management, facilitation, change management, and systems thinking, will ensure modernization efforts continue long after individual projects are completed.
Refer to the ASTHO tactical guide on Building, Equipping, and Sustaining a Data Modernization Workforce to explore key strategies for building a data modernization workforce within a public health agency.
Data governance makes modernization possible
Contrary to the misconception that data governance slows modernization, it actually enables it.
Governance clarifies decision-making authority by defining data ownership and responsibilities, partner consultation, and priority resolution. Clarifying this structure fosters consistent, transparent, and confident innovation. Rather than isolating efforts, jurisdictions should seek shared vision opportunities in enterprise governance to support both IIS and agency-wide priorities.
Refer to the PHII Data Governance for Public Health course to explore challenges faced by data modernization teams in implementing data governance.
Five questions every IIS leader should ask
Implementing IIS modernization is about more than deploying technology; it is about creating stronger partnerships, better governance, a more capable workforce, and a shared vision for how data can improve public health. When IIS modernize in collaboration rather than in isolation, they not only strengthen their immunization program, but they also help accelerate modernization across the entire public health agency.
As implementation moves forward, consider these questions:
- How does our IIS modernization roadmap align with and support the agency’s broader modernization strategy?
- Which agency modernization efforts can we leverage and/or expand upon rather than recreate?
- Are we engaging the right partners across the agency?
- How can our modernization investments create value beyond the IIS program?
- What organizational capabilities are we building that will sustain modernization over time?
Coming next
Part 3: Sustaining IIS Modernization
In the final blog post of this series, we’ll explore how immunization programs can sustain modernization through workforce development, leadership engagement, strategic funding, and clear communication about the value of the IIS as a vital component of the public health infrastructure.
Dr. Tony Winters leads the immunization project team at PHII in providing technical assistance for system transitions and developing workforce resources to support IIS activities.
Marcey Propp is the IIS Domain Lead for HLN Consulting, assisting jurisdictions in assessing and modernizing their public health data systems.
For more information, contact iis@phii.org.