Colorado Passes Law to Decouple State Vaccine Policy from Federal Guidance

On May 8 2026 the Colorado legislature approved, and Gov. Jared Polis signed, a law allowing the state to follow medical societies rather than CDC guidance for vaccine procurement. It also lets pharmacists prescribe vaccines and expands legal protections for vaccinating health workers.

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In 2026 CDC panel led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cut six pediatric vaccines, a move later blocked by judge. Colorado joined WHO’s Global Outbreak and Response Network after Trump administration withdrew from WHO.

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“Colorado Chooses Vaccines” coalition, led by councilmember Carol Boigon, Susan Lontine, and Elizabet Garcia, counts Sen. Kyle Mullica as supporter. Boigon, who contracted polio in 1953 and lost use of right arm, shares her experience to illustrate disease’s impact.

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In 2026 Colorado logged 12 measles cases, versus 36 in 2025, while kindergarten measles coverage is 88 %—below 95 % herd-immunity goal. It saw flu deaths, one COVID-19 death and one RSV death, with vaccination rates lower.

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Gov. Polis said Colorado expanded vaccine access and will continue. Sen. Mullica called law protection against dysfunction. Lontine said statute clarifies guidance. HHS press secretary Emily G. Hilliard affirmed CDC schedule protects children. Kennedy noted vaccines remain covered.

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Republican Sen. John Carson voted against the bill, warning it could spark political disputes and limit parental choice. Critics also claim vaccines are unsafe or ineffective, arguing the law restricts individual decision-making.

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In 2026 CDC panel’s removal of six pediatric vaccines remains on hold after a federal judge’s injunction, while Kennedy suggests the changes may lower flu-vaccine uptake. No data yet assess Colorado law’s effect on coverage.

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The law’s pharmacist-prescribing and health-worker protection provisions take effect in late 2026. Colorado remains a plaintiff in a multi-state lawsuit challenging federal vaccine schedule and is drafting policy proposals through the Colorado Chooses Vaccines coalition.

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• “We are insulating our state from the dysfunction coming out of Washington,” — Sen. Kyle Mullica, State Senator, RN

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• “From fighting during the pandemic for Coloradans to get vaccines as quickly as possible, to combating the Trump Administration's barriers to getting vaccinated, we have expanded access to vaccines for Coloradans who want them,” — Gov. Jared Polis, Governor

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• “I just want to make sure we're not just getting into a big political dispute between the federal recommendations, the CDC and so forth and different political views in Colorado here,” — Sen. John Carson, Republican State Senator

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• “We're not taking vaccines away from anybody. If you want to get the vaccine, you could get it. It's going to be fully covered by insurance just like it was before,” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary

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