CA AB1797

Requires health care providers and agencies including schools, childcare facilities, and county human services agencies to disclose immunization information to local health departments and the State Department of Public Health, adding patient race and ethnicity to the information that must be shared.

Authorizes schools, childcare facilities, family childcare homes, and county human services agencies to use immunization information to assess COVID-19 vaccination status for health and safety purposes until January 1, 2026, with schools limited to this use only if their governing board mandates COVID-19 immunization for attendance.

Maintains confidentiality requirements for shared immunization information and allows patients or parents/guardians to refuse record sharing at any time, with physicians and health departments retaining access only for patient care or public health protection purposes.

Permits patients or guardians to request disclosure of which agencies received their information and to demand the health department stop sharing information after receiving such a request.

Requires reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for any state-mandated costs from implementing these provisions, effective January 1, 2026.