Colorado Leads the Way in Revising Vaccine Policies Amid Federal Changes

In response to ongoing shifts in federal vaccine policies, particularly those associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., several states have begun to independently update their immunization strategies. While the CDC traditionally guides vaccination practices nationwide, states like Colorado, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington are taking matters into their own hands to preserve vaccine access and tailor guidelines to their populations.

Colorado has been at the forefront of this movement. In March, its legislature amended laws to allow the state to consider medical input from organizations beyond the CDC, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for setting school vaccine requirements. This shift was driven by concerns over increasing politicization of vaccine science and the departure of CDC members replacing traditional experts with skeptics. Subsequently, in September, Colorado authorized pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, bypassing federal regulations.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized that his administration would not allow federal decisions to hinder vaccine access. Meanwhile, Colorado's actions build on earlier steps. The state’s legislature also passed measures to ensure insurance coverage for vaccines, supporting ongoing immunization efforts amid federal changes.

The move away from exclusive reliance on federal guidance reflects a broader trend of states asserting more control over public health policies. These efforts are motivated by concerns over misinformation and political interference, aiming to maintain public trust and health safety. Despite some tensions—such as the replacement of CDC advisory panel members—many experts see Colorado’s approach as a proactive step in safeguarding vaccine access.

Importantly, Colorado continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, aligning with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ guidance, even as the federal government removed COVID vaccines from its recommended list for certain populations. The upcoming ACIP meetings are expected to clarify further recommendations, but the state’s independent stance signals a significant shift in public health governance.

This evolving landscape underscores an increased emphasis on state-level decision-making in vaccination policies, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in ensuring equitable health protections for all residents.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-wary-rfk-jr-colorado-revamping.html