Story perspectives

Colorado Law Lets Pharmacists Prescribe Vaccines, Rejects CDC

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colorado enacted legislation detaching its vaccine program from CDC guidance, citing protection from Washington’s policy shifts.
Jared Polis signed the bill; Senator John Carson voted against it, saying it could limit parental choice.
The measure passed as measles cases more than a dozen and kindergarten vaccination fell to 88%, below the 95% target.
Colorado Chooses Vaccines coalition was formed to share information, letting pharmacists prescribe vaccines independently under the law.

1 of 1

Story summary

Colorado enacted legislation detaching its vaccine program from CDC guidance, citing protection from Washington’s policy shifts.
Jared Polis signed the bill; Senator John Carson voted against it, saying it could limit parental choice.
The measure passed as measles cases more than a dozen and kindergarten vaccination fell to 88%, below the 95% target.
Colorado Chooses Vaccines coalition was formed to share information, letting pharmacists prescribe vaccines independently under the law.