Governor Polis and CDPHE Take Steps to Ensure Coloradans Have Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

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Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis directed state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), to take action to safeguard Coloradans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines this fall. In response, CDPHE issued Public Health Order 25-01: Access to COVID-19 Vaccines and a standing order that allows all Coloradans aged 6 months and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy without an individual prescription. These actions were taken in response to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to limit eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to those adults who are either aged 65 and older or have a health condition that puts them at high risk for serious illness. Additionally, the federal body that publishes vaccine recommendations (which guide insurance coverage) has not yet issued guidance for this year’s COVID-19 vaccines. This has understandably created confusion for many Coloradans about whether they can get vaccinated and what it will cost.

In a press release, Governor Polis said, “Colorado is committed to empowering individuals to make choices to protect their own health and safety, and I will not allow ridiculous and costly red tape or decisions made far away in Washington to keep Coloradans from accessing vaccines. Starting this Friday, the COVID-19 vaccine should be available to those who choose at many local pharmacies.”

Read the full press release.

Immunize Colorado Alarmed at HHS Decision to Remove COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Healthy Children and Pregnant People

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Yesterday, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced via the social media platform, X, that the agency is no longer recommending COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children and pregnant people. This announcement is deeply alarming on many levels, among them that the decision bypasses established scientific and administrative processes that have been in place for decades. It also does not accurately reflect the scientific evidence which shows that pregnant people are at increased risk from complications due to COVID illness; that newborns rely on maternal antibodies from the vaccine for protection after birth; and that COVID can be dangerous for young children (over 11,000 children were hospitalized with COVID during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, the majority of whom were under 5 years old). Finally, it leaves the door open for millions of people in the U.S. to lose access to these vaccines since insurance companies are only required to cover vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and listed on their approved vaccination schedules. This could prompt providers to stop stocking and offering COVID vaccines and make the COVID-19 vaccines that are available an expensive out-of-pocket cost, therefore putting them out of reach for many pregnant people and parents of young children. This would effectively remove people’s choice to vaccinate. This decision not only puts people at increased risk for a disease that can be very serious and has killed millions of people in the U.S., but also undermines the methodical, rigorous, and well-established way that we make public health decisions in this country. Moreover, it further erodes trust in public health officials and vaccination. It is careless, and we urge HHS to reconsider.

Read statements from other expert groups:

AAP

ACOG

American Lung Association

Only a third of U.S. kids have gotten flu shots, data reveal

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Despite a record number of American children dying from the flu last year, the percentage of kids getting their flu shots keeps falling.

In new data posted this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 37% of kids had received the vaccine as of Nov. 30—down from 43% at the same time last year.

This decline is raising concerns among pediatricians, who are already seeing an uptick in flu cases this season.

Read more at Medical Xpress.

New Colorado Access Grant Will Help Increase Vaccine Access for Medicaid and Medicaid-Eligible Coloradans

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Immunize Colorado (IC) is pleased to announce a new grant in the amount of $150,000 from Colorado Access to fund a one-year project that will increase immunization access and education – and in turn improve vaccination rates – for underserved communities in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Elbert counties.

Specifically, the grant will support Immunize Colorado’s efforts to deliver at least 2,700 routine and respiratory virus vaccines to refugee and immigrant, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), older adult, unhoused, rural, and LGBTQIA+ communities in these counties, with a focus on Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members or those who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible. There is a well-documented need for vaccines in these areas; only 41.6% of children in Colorado Access Region 5 (Denver) and 43.4% in Region 3 (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert counties) are fully up to date with childhood vaccines. Immunize Colorado will utilize its Trusted Messenger Program to plan clinics and community events at which vaccines will be offered. IC’s Trusted Messenger Program mobilizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated experience working with and serving these populations to promote immunization and increase vaccine confidence. Since 2021, the program has provided over 5,000 vaccines at 88 clinics across Colorado.

Additionally, grant funds will support efforts to increase immunization awareness and knowledge for this population through direct education at vaccine clinics, community events, and webinars, and through the creation of tailored educational materials. IC will also host at least one educational webinar for Health First Colorado providers to increase their knowledge about best practices to promote vaccines.

“We know that meeting people where they are and facilitating vaccine conversations between the community and those that they trust most are strategies that work incredibly well to expand access and increase immunization rates,” said Susan Lontine, executive director of Immunize Colorado. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the impact of our Trusted Messenger Program and improve rates for folks who are too often left behind by the healthcare system. I know we can make great strides over the next year to make sure they’re protected from preventable diseases.”

“We need to take the time to understand a community and why they may be hesitant about vaccinations,” said Bill Wright, MD, chief medical officer at Colorado Access. “In addition to cultural reasons for distrust and concerns, many people also have financial barriers, lack of transportation, no internet access, or fear that symptoms from the vaccine may cause them to miss work.” 

About Immunize Colorado

Immunize Colorado is a statewide, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its mission is to protect Colorado families, schools and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. To learn more, visit www.immunizecolorado.org and connect with Immunize Colorado on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Colorado Access

As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members’ unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members’ care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at http://coaccess.com.

Questions? Contact us.

CDC widens mpox vaccine recommendations

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory recommending that select travelers to countries where a certain strain of mpox is endemic should be fully vaccinated prior to going

While the agency has already been advising vaccination for those travelling to countries where clade I mpox is endemic, the CDC’s guidance this issued week specifically advises that people who “anticipate certain sexual exposures” while in those countries should be fully vaccinated with two doses of the Jynneos smallpox vaccine.

Read more at The Hill.

Immunize Colorado Announces 2024 S.O.U.P! Awardees

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It is with excitement and gratitude that Immunize Colorado announces the recipients of the 2024 S.O.U.P! (Shots Offer Unrivaled Protection) awards! We are thrilled to recognize those in our state who go above and beyond to keep Colorado communities healthy through immunization.

Immunize Colorado’s highest honor, the 2024 Big Shot of the Year award will be presented to Senator Kyle Mullica, Senator Julie Gonzales, Senator Dylan Roberts, and Senator Kevin Priola. The 2024 SOUPer Hero award will be presented to Stephanie Wasserman. The 2024 Sure Shot awards will be presented to the Immunization and Travel Clinic at Denver Health and Joel Tanaka, MD. We will celebrate these immunization champions and present their awards at the 13th S.O.U.P! event on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Space Gallery in downtown Denver.

The S.O.U.P! box office is now open. Purchase your S.O.U.P! tickets today and join us to celebrate our 2024 awardees!

Please read on to learn about each of the awardees’ contributions and achievements, and join us in thanking them for all they’ve done to protect Colorado communities!

2024 Big Shots of the Year

The 2024 Big Shots of the Year, Senators Kyle Mullica, Julie Gonzales, Dylan Roberts, and Kevin Priola were the prime sponsors for Colorado Senate Bill 20-163: School Entry Immunization. The bill, which became law in 2020, aimed to keep Colorado communities protected from vaccine-preventable diseases through the strengthening and standardization of school entry immunization requirements, including tightening the state’s nonmedical vaccine exemption requirements. The bill progressed through a tumultuous legislative process, with a very small but vocal group of people who opposed the bill. Thankfully, the bill ultimately passed with bi-partisan support from both chambers of the Legislature, and with support from nearly 90% of Coloradans. The Senators receiving the 2024 Big Shot of the Year award are being recognized for their resilience throughout the 2020 legislative session and beyond, and for their commitment to advancing strong, evidence-based immunization and public health policy to ultimately keep all Coloradans protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Senator Kyle Mullica

Senator Kyle Mullica is a State Senator for the 24th District in Colorado, covering the City of Thornton and Federal Heights. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served in the House for four years. Born and raised in Thornton, Colorado, Senator Mullica embodies what it is to work for and with members of his constituency. As an ER Nurse he’s the only active healthcare worker serving in the Colorado Legislature – making him a go-to advocate for legislation revolving around the healthcare industry. He believes healthcare is a right, not a privilege and is committed to taking care of those who take care of us – healthcare workers! When he’s not in the ER working or down at the Capitol you can find him either spending time with his family or rooting on his Denver Broncos.

Senator Julie Gonzales

Senadora Julie Gonzales is a progressive Democrat serving north, west, and downtown Denver as the state Senator for Senate District 34. With roots that stretch back generations in Colorado, Julie has dedicated her life to organizing working people, Latinos, and youth around affordable housing, educational justice, and immigrant rights. First elected in the blue wave of 2018, she allocated millions of dollars towards affordable housing, strengthened protections for immigrant communities from ICE, repealed the death penalty, and streamlined Colorado’s marijuana regulations. She serves as Chair of the Judiciary committee; Vice Chair of the Local Government & Housing, and as a member of the Legal Services and Appropriations committees. She serves as the Colorado Senate Democrats Majority Whip and the Co-Chair of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus.

Senator Dylan Roberts

Dylan Roberts represents Senate District 8 in the Colorado State Senate which encompasses Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit Counties. Senator Roberts serves as the Chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and as a member of the Judiciary Committee.  

Senator Roberts was elected to the Senate in 2022. From 2018-2022, Dylan served in the State House representing Eagle & Routt Counties. His work at the legislature has focused on lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, protecting our environment and water, funding more affordable housing development, and promoting rural economic development. In 2019, he wrote and passed the law that made Colorado the first state in the nation to cap the cost of insulin and in 2022, he helped pass the largest single-year investment into affordable housing in Colorado history. Prior to and during his service in the legislature, Dylan has worked as a Deputy District Attorney for Eagle County. Dylan grew up in Routt County and now lives in Summit County with his wife Sarah and their son Teddy.

Senator Kevin Priola

Kevin Priola serves in the Colorado Senate representing District 13. Prior to his tenure in the State Senate, he served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2009 until his election to the Senate in 2016. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Technology Committee, Vice Chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and as a member of the Appropriations and Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees.

In 2022, Senator Priola switched parties from Republican to Democrat. He has historically worked across the aisle to sponsor and support bipartisan legislation; he was often the only Republican to vote in favor of some legislation, including a bill to prevent landlords from using or disclosing the immigrant status of their tenants, and another bill to prohibit employers from retaliating against their workers for reporting health and safety concerns. His policy priorities center small businesses, election security, education, and environmental health.

Senator Priola was born in Brighton, Colorado, and attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he graduated with a BS in finance and accounting. He currently lives in Henderson with his wife Michelle and their four children.

2024 SOUPer Hero – Stephanie Wasserman

Stephanie Wasserman served as the executive director of Immunize Colorado from 2012-2022. Under her leadership, the organization secured highly competitive grants, launched the Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce (which ensured that highly impacted communities had the information and tools they needed to get vaccinated during the pandemic), spearheaded the passage of regulations and laws to ensure Colorado children and families have the access and information they need to vaccinate, and created actionable data tools to highlight low coverage and high needs communities. 

Stephanie has more than 30 years of experience managing public and community health initiatives, including leading all aspects of a $2.5 million statewide initiative to promote school health and wellness. She also managed school-based health centers and community clinics throughout Colorado providing behavioral health, oral health, and primary care services, including immunizations, to medically underserved children. At the National Conference of State Legislatures, Stephanie served as a program director and provided expertise on priority public health issues to state lawmakers across the country. She served as the board chair of the Colorado Association for School-Based Health Care and a member-at-large at Colorado Public Health Association. She is also a founding board member of Academy 360, a public charter school with a core focus on student wellness and health promotion. In 2015 Stephanie won the Colorado Public Health Association’s Public Health Champion award and in 2024 she was selected to serve as a Fulbright Scholar.

2024 Denver Metro Sure Shot – The Immunization and Travel Clinic at Denver Health

The Immunization and Travel Clinic at Denver Health is a full-service, nurse-run vaccination clinic led by a medical director, nurse program manager, and clinic administrator. The team consists of nine registered nurses (RN), three medical assistants (MA), five patient access specialists (PAS), and one program assistant. Vaccinations are offered at our full-time clinic on the Denver Health campus, as well as at outreach clinics hosted at community based organizations throughout the city and county of Denver. At our clinic we also offer consultations for international travel to provide patients with prescriptions and travel specific vaccinations.

Throughout 2023, the team served 1,948 patients in community outreach settings and provided 3,502 vaccines. Of those patients served, 1,658 (85.1%) identified as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Also in 2023, the team served 286 Denver Public Schools students at school vaccination events and provided 941 total vaccines. Of those served, 268 (93.7%) identified as BIPOC.  All Clinic staff have training in vaccine hesitancy, and health equity is foundational to our work in order to increase vaccine uptake. More than a third of our staff are bilingual English/Spanish speakers. We serve patients regardless of insurance or immigration status or the ability to pay.

The outreach team collaborates with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver Public Schools, Denver Human Services, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Vuela for Health, ViVe Wellness, Julissa Soto, and many other community-based organizations. These strong partnerships have resulted in highly successful vaccine events throughout the community.

2024 Regional Sure Shot – Dr. Joel Tanaka

Dr. Tanaka is a Board-Certified Family Physician. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He has lived in Colorado Springs since 2002 and is the Chief Medical Officer at Peak Vista Community Health Centers, providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and psychiatric care to people in 24 locations located in Colorado Springs, Divide, Limon, Strasburg, Fountain, and Flagler. Dr. Tanaka is passionate about his family, clinical leadership, health advocacy, health equity, and serving Coloradans to help them overcome barriers to achieving optimal wellness. He is married to Jackie Tanaka, his lovely bride of 31 years, and they have 3 sons.

COVID-19, Flu, and RSV – We’ve Got Vaccines for All Three! Part Three: Are RSV Vaccines and Treatments Right for Me?

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Before we know it, the holidays will be here. That means time spent celebrating with friends and family. It also means you need every tool in your arsenal to prevent contracting and spreading respiratory illnesses among those you love and celebrate with. Practicing preventive measures like eating well, hand-washing, and masking when you are sick are important, but don’t forget about vaccines. Before you start gift wrapping and holiday baking, make sure you and your family are up to date with COVID-19 and flu shots. There’s also a third option for some people to protect against RSV. 

Each year, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations across the U.S. and over 10,000 deaths. RSV is very common. Infants, young children, and adults over 60 are most at risk for severe RSV illness. Today’s Team Vaccine Blog post – the last in our three-part series on the three big respiratory viral illnesses (COVID-19, flu, and RSV) – breaks down new vaccines and treatments for RSV and who should get them. 

Pregnant people now have the option to protect their unborn children from RSV with a vaccine.

Infants have immature immune systems and smaller airways that make it hard for them to fight respiratory illnesses like RSV. Thankfully, expecting parents can now breathe a sigh of relief, at least in regard to RSV. A new vaccine called Abrysvo was recently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help provide immediate protection for newborns. This protection will last about six months. It is available to those who are 32-36 weeks pregnant and is administered seasonally from September to January. Abrysvo should be given at least 14 days prior to giving birth. If you are pregnant, talk to your medical provider to see if Abrysvo is right for you.

Children 19 months of age and younger can be immunized for RSV.

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) is a new treatment available for children. Nirsevimab is not a vaccine, but rather a monoclonal antibody treatment that provides temporary protection against RSV. It is given to infants younger than 8 months of age in one dose during the RSV season. It offers protection from RSV as soon as it is given. Protection will last for at least 5 months. Most children whose mother was vaccinated with Abrysvo while pregnant will not need to be treated with nirsevimab. Some children entering their second RSV season who are considered to be at increased risk for severe RSV illness will be eligible for a second dose of nirsevimab.

There has already been very high demand for nirsevimab which has unfortunately led to a shortage in its availability for the 2023-24 respiratory virus season. Because of this, the CDC issued an alert advising providers to prioritize the use of nirsevimab for children most at risk of contracting severe RSV. There is another option to protect young children from RSV: Palivizumab (Synagis®). Palivizumab is another monoclonal antibody treatment that has been in use since 1998. It is approved for children under 24 months who are at increased risk for RSV. Whereas nirsevimab is a one-time treatment, palivizumab is given once per month during the RSV season. Talk to your child’s medical provider about what treatments may be appropriate for them.

There are two new vaccines to protect adults 60 and older from RSV.

New this year, adults 60 and older can now be vaccinated for RSV. There are two vaccine options: Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both vaccines are more than 80% effective at preventing RSV infections. Even if you are otherwise healthy, you may be at increased risk for severe RSV simply based on your age. The immune system begins to decline around age 60 and is slower to respond to illness. But RSV vaccines are not right for everyone over 60. The CDC recommends RSV vaccines for this age group based on discussion with a medical provider. Talk to your doctor to see if an RSV vaccine is right for you.

The bottom line? We have more tools than ever to protect against RSV!

For most people, RSV infection will likely go unnoticed as a simple cold. For those most at risk, these new treatments and vaccines may help prevent them from being hospitalized and could even save their lives. These tools provide the opportunity for families to spend more time together and for young children to thrive and grow. Pregnant? Talk to your provider about getting Abrysvo between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. Have an infant child who isn’t protected from maternal RSV vaccination? Talk to their pediatrician to see if monoclonal antibody treatments are right for them. Over age 60? Speak to your provider about whether RSV vaccines are appropriate for you. In a season of respiratory threats from COVID-19, flu, and RSV – we’re lucky to have vaccines and treatments for all three!

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. You can donate or discover other ways to get involved in supporting our commitment to healthy Colorado communities today!

Call for Pediatric Providers! Help Lead Community Conversations on Vaccines

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Immunize Colorado is looking for pediatric healthcare providers who might be interested in providing parents and guardians from the Latinx community the opportunity to learn more about vaccines by participating in small-group, provider-led community conversations. These conversations will take place both in person and over Zoom, ideally in April, May, or June. We will work with providers to determine a time and location, help recruit attendees, and provide marketing and tech support. Providers will receive stipends for their participation.

Interested? Reach out to Madelyn Wild for more information: Madelyn.Wild@childrenscolorado.org.

The Importance of Health Education for Immunization From the Perspective of an AmeriCorps VISTA and Certified Health Education Specialist

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By Erika Dunnon

It is well known that having an educated and well-trained workforce is essential. This is especially true in healthcare where it creates the best environment for safe and effective practices. Equally important is the information available for the public to make health-related decisions, particularly about immunizations. These two factors work together to create optimal circumstances for vaccine uptake. So how do these two factors work together to improve vaccine access, acceptance, and uptake? 

Ongoing training is important in the healthcare field. Relationships are also foundational.

As our knowledge evolves, the demand for training and retraining becomes critical. Training and retraining are top priorities for many healthcare organizations. In the area of immunizations, training is imperative. It is important for workforce members who interact with the patient population to be educated about vaccinations so they can share accurate information with patients. 

It is also important for workforce members to be skilled at Motivational Interviewing, which decreases the likelihood of vaccine hesitancy. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a way of communicating about health decisions. It first requires providers to listen to the patient, and  then empower them to make a specific healthcare decision or behavior change. MI requires understanding, patience, and acceptance. This establishes a relationship – a basis for connection – and allows trust to form between the practitioner and their patient. With this trust established, the practitioner can educate the patient who can then autonomously make a healthcare decision or behavior change. Effective MI techniques also require ongoing training.

The right workforce training can improve vaccination rates.

As an AmeriCorps Vista and a Certified Health Education Specialist, I have had the professional opportunity to contribute to a continuing education project for Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Emergency Preparedness and Response Volunteers. The goal of this project was to  equip our workforce for various response activities including vaccinating the public. Through the process of preparing an onboarding module, I learned the key role that training plays in building the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the JCPH volunteers.

Equally important is the ease with which workforce members can complete the continuing education training. For example, the training for JCPH is virtual and self-paced; the modules can be completed in any order. This makes it easy for volunteers to complete. The same training can be easily implemented for the workforce of neighboring organizations, saving time and associated costs. Accessible and convenient training opportunities create a more confident and capable workforce. And the workforce’s high rate of participation in continuing education has been associated with higher vaccination rates in their communities. 

Education results in increased vaccine uptake.

Providing vaccine education during vaccination opportunities has also been shown to increase vaccine uptake. For instance, a study looked at a group of young mother-infant pairs in Pakistan who received cards with vaccine-related content, and compared it to another control group who did not. Researchers found that vaccination rates in the group that received cards were significantly higher than in the control group. Another study demonstrated increased vaccine uptake with increased vaccine education.

Furthermore, public policies can affect the availability of and need for vaccine-related education for individuals making vaccination decisions. As policy efforts across the country seek to give adolescents the opportunity to receive some vaccines without parental consent, it is important to add this audience to the list of people that need education about vaccines. In fact, some policies require that vaccine education be offered alongside vaccine opportunities. 

Immunization education should be required for the workforce and vaccine recipients.

Immunization education is two-fold: education of the workforce and education of the target population or potential vaccine recipients. It is equally important that each group receive education about vaccinations. The workforce needs to be trained to provide educational interventions to the population, which involves first being educated itself through continuing education opportunities. With proper training, the workforce can then help educate the public about vaccines and help to increase vaccine uptake in their community. I’ve seen this happen firsthand at Jefferson County Public Health and know that education can truly make a difference in helping people get vaccinated.

Erika Dunnon is an Immunization and Outreach & Education Coordinator, on assignment with Jefferson County Public Health through the CO-mmunity Corps AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to best protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases. Much work remains. You can donate or discover other ways to get involved to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities today!

Immunize Colorado