In an effort to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis directed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and other state agencies to work together quickly to ensure that all Coloradans have access to safe and effective updated COVID-19 vaccines.
Per a press release, CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan has issued Public Health Order 25-01: Access to COVID-19 Vaccines, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge has issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions. The standing order took effect on Friday, September 5.
This directive took place due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limiting its recent approval of updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines to those aged 65 and older or at higher risk of severe disease. The press release explains that the FDA’s limited approval has created confusion and uncertainty because it appears to conflict with recommendations previously issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the guidance issued by several professional organizations.
“I’m taking action to ensure that Coloradans who want to can easily and conveniently get the safe and effective updated COVID vaccine, along with the flu vaccine, this fall without having to go to a doctor first. These effective vaccines are available at many local pharmacies and supermarkets, and I encourage my fellow Coloradans to join me in getting protected,” says Governor Polis. “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 (September 5), the COVID-19 vaccine should be available to those who choose at many local pharmacies.”
The standing order enables all Coloradans aged 6 months and older to receive updated COVID-19 vaccines directly at a pharmacy without a separate doctor’s appointment or prescription.
The Public Health Order 25-01 also directs CDPHE to:
- Issue clear guidance to providers, pharmacists, and the public about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
- Collaborate with other state agencies and offices to identify and remove barriers to vaccination.
- Coordinate with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to review how federal decisions affect coverage for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus. Updates will be shared as soon as possible.
- Coordinate with the Division of Insurance to ensure that health insurance plans under state authority fully cover COVID-19 vaccines.
- Work with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to review and revise rules to ensure pharmacies can provide COVID-19 vaccines.
