Logan Reed
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the topic of vaccination to the forefront, with many countries introducing vaccine mandates for their populations. In the United States, vaccination policies vary from state to state, and even within states, there can be city-specific regulations. Denver, Colorado, has been at the centre of vaccine discussions, with new laws being introduced to manage vaccine recommendations and distribution. So, what does this mean for Denver residents and visitors? Do you have to be vaccinated to enter certain venues or participate in specific activities? Let's explore the current landscape of vaccinations in Denver and how it impacts individuals' choices and daily lives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination for children | Routine vaccinations for children are available for school, work, immigration, and other purposes. |
| Vaccination for adults | Routine vaccinations for adults are available for school, work, immigration, and other purposes. |
| Vaccination for travellers | Vaccinations are available for travellers. |
| Vaccination for COVID-19 | Vaccinations are available for COVID-19, including the Moderna vaccine. |
| Vaccination for mpox | A vaccine called Jynneos can prevent mpox. |
| Vaccination for flu | Flu vaccines are available. |
| Vaccination for TB | TB tests and vaccinations are available. |
| Vaccination for HPV | Vaccinations for HPV are not required for school. |
| Vaccination for Hepatitis A | Vaccinations for Hepatitis A are not required for school. |
| Vaccination requirements for school | Colorado law requires students to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless they have a Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption. |
| Opting out of vaccination | Under Colorado law, you can opt out of having records entered or maintained in CIIS. |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccine availability in Denver
As of September 2025, Colorado governor Jared Polis has asked the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to ensure that all Coloradans have access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. The health department's Executive Director, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, issued a public health order to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines.
In Denver, COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Immunization Clinic of the Public Health Institute at Denver Health. The clinic offers the Moderna vaccine, and appointments can be made by calling 303-602-3520 or scheduling via MyChart. While a Social Security number and/or government ID may be requested, these are not required to get a vaccine.
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine depends on your insurance provider. Vaccines are no longer free since the federal public health emergency declaration ended, and out-of-pocket costs vary under different insurance plans. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover COVID-19 vaccines, you can still get vaccinated at a low or no cost. Denver Health accepts Medicaid (Health First Colorado), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and most private insurance plans.
In addition to Denver Health, COVID-19 vaccines are available at local doctors' offices, local public health agencies, and pharmacies. CVS and Walgreens locations in Colorado previously provided COVID-19 vaccines only to individuals with a prescription, but as of September 2025, a prescription is no longer required.
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Vaccination requirements for school children
Colorado law requires all students attending Colorado schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases. However, there are exemptions for medical or non-medical reasons. Parents or legal guardians must file a Certificate of Exemption with each school or childcare provider their child attends. Exemptions can be based on religious or personal beliefs opposed to immunisation or a medical condition preventing the child from receiving specific vaccines. These exemptions do not apply to vaccines required for childcare or school.
The Immunization Vaccination Clinic at the Public Health Institute of Denver Health has provided vaccines for children since 1986. They offer routine vaccinations for school-aged children and accept various insurance plans. Denver Health recommends visiting the CDC website for the recommended vaccine schedule for infants, children, and preteens/teens.
In recent years, childhood immunisation rates in Colorado have fallen below the levels recommended by experts for broad community protection. The state's new law allows the health department to consider recommendations from high-profile doctors' groups, not just the CDC, when updating vaccination policies. This has caused concern among some healthcare professionals, who worry that it may result in lower vaccination rates and increased disease and death rates.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Denver Health offered the COVID-19 vaccine when seasonally available, and they currently only carry the Moderna vaccine. They also provided information on where to get vaccinated for those aged 70 and above.
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Exemptions to school-required vaccines
In Denver, Colorado, state law requires all students attending schools and licensed childcare to be vaccinated against certain diseases. However, there are exemptions to these school-required vaccines.
Certificate of Exemption
Students are exempt from receiving school-mandated vaccines if they have a Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption on file at their school or childcare facility. The Certificate of Exemption must be submitted to each school or childcare the student attends, and it is the responsibility of the student or their parent/guardian to ensure that the exemption status is reflected in the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS).
Medical Exemption
Students with a medical condition that prevents them from receiving one or more school-required vaccines are eligible for a medical exemption. This exemption must be indicated on the Certificate of Exemption and submitted to the school and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Non-Medical Exemption
Non-medical exemptions are available for students whose religious beliefs or personal convictions are opposed to immunizations. Like medical exemptions, these must be indicated on the Certificate of Exemption and submitted to the school and CDPHE.
Opt-Out
It is important to note that opting out of the CIIS does not exempt a student from receiving school-required vaccines. While individuals can remove their immunization and exemption information from the CIIS at any time, they are still responsible for maintaining their immunization records and submitting any necessary paperwork to their school or childcare facility.
School and District Enforcement
The enforcement of vaccination policies and record-keeping falls on individual schools and districts in Colorado. Schools must ensure that all enrolled students have up-to-date certificates of immunization or exemption on file. In the event of a disease outbreak, students with immunization exemptions may be asked to stay home from school for a certain period, depending on the disease and the circumstances.
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Travel vaccination appointments
The Public Health Institute at Denver Health has a dedicated Travel Clinic that provides a full range of pre-travel services for international travellers, including travel vaccinations and health consultations. The clinic has a team of public health nurses, family practice physicians, and infectious disease specialists with extensive experience in travel health.
The Immunization Clinic at Denver Health also offers vaccines for children, adults, and travellers on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended that you call 303-602-3520 or schedule an appointment via MyChart, especially for travel consultation appointments, as these are not available on a walk-in basis.
When scheduling a travel consultation appointment, it is ideal to book at least six weeks before your departure date. Appointments tend to book up quickly, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons. During the consultation, you will need to provide information on the number of travellers and countries visited. The clinic also offers the convenience of telehealth travel consultations to any patients located in Colorado aged 18 years or older with an active MyChart account.
The Travel Clinic at Denver Health does not accept health insurance, and payment is due at the time of service. Denver Health only carries the Moderna vaccine, and a Social Security number and/or government ID may be requested but is not required to get a vaccine.
Another option for travel vaccinations in Denver is the Passport Health travel clinic in Cherry Creek. This clinic provides important immunizations like typhoid, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis for travellers going to places such as South America and Africa.
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Insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines
In Denver, the Immunization and Travel Clinic at Denver Health and other Denver Health clinic locations offer the COVID-19 vaccine when seasonally available. Denver Health only carries the Moderna vaccine, which can be administered on the same day as other vaccines, including the flu shot.
A Social Security number and/or government ID may be requested but is not required to get a vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are no longer free since the federal public health emergency declaration ended. Out-of-pocket costs will vary under different insurance plans, so it is recommended to contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Insurance plans regulated by the state of Colorado will fully cover COVID-19 vaccines. However, broad U.S. health insurance coverage of the shots is unlikely to change this year despite new federal rules.
People who want an updated COVID-19 vaccine at CVS or Walgreens pharmacies in Colorado will need to present a prescription. State law allows pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. However, the committee has not recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine for this year, and insurance companies are not legally required to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is recommended to check with your employer or insurer about coverage policies. Most private health plans are required by law to cover recommended vaccines without charging their members. However, with conflicting federal policies, there is uncertainty about whether insurance coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine will change.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no specific requirements to enter Denver, but there are vaccination requirements for schools and licensed childcare facilities in Colorado.
Colorado law requires all students attending schools and licensed childcare facilities in Colorado to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless they have a valid Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption on file at the school.
You can get vaccinated at the Immunization Clinic at the Public Health Institute of Denver Health, which has provided vaccines to children and adults since 1986. You can also get vaccinated at UC Health, Denver Health, and Centura Health.
