UNVAXXED Children and Adults are Being TRACKED by the State of NM - How to OPT OUT

Sarah Smith
3 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

Dear New Mexicans,

By state statute, NM parents are allowed to obtain vaccine exemptions for their children for medical or religious reasons (including a personally held belief). However, most people do not realize that the state is TRACKING unvaccinated children and adults.

The New Mexico Statewide Immunization Information System (NMSIIS) is used to track the vaccination status of both children and adults across the state. That includes tracking those who are unvaccinated.

By 2013 state statute SB58, healthcare providers are required to report vaccination status unless a person or parent/guardian "refuses to allow reporting of this information." This means that, every time a person receives a vaccination OR declines vaccination, it is reported to the NMSIIS.

This information could potentially be used to limit the activities or access to essential services during a public health emergency. For instance, the childhood vaccination exemption form states that "WHERE ANY CASE OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OCCURS OR IS LIKELY TO OCCUR IN MY CHILD’S SCHOOL, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MAY REQUIRE THE EXCLUSION OF INFECTED PERSONS AND NON-IMMUNIZED PERSONS."

However, there is an opt-out process that can be used for the NMSIIS, as described below. PLEASE SHARE this post as a resource for those who may wish to opt out of the NMSIIS tracking system.

OPT OUT FORM FOR NMSIIS

The form to opt-out of the NM Statewide Immunization Information System (NMSIIS) is here:

https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/form/8932/

In order to opt out, this form must be submitted every time vaccinations are received or declined. The form needs to be given to the healthcare provider.

Additionally, this same form can be used to require the NMSIIS to delete an existing record for a child or an adult, by submitting the form to the NM Department of Health.

OPT OUT Form for NMSIIS

For more information, you can view the full Policies and Procedures document for the NMSIIS here: https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/help/929/

Phone number for the NMSIIS Help Desk: 1-833-882-6454

Email for requesting that a record be deleted from NMSIIS: NMSIIS.access@doh.nm.gov