Logan Reed
In Colorado, there is no federal mandate requiring parents to vaccinate their children. However, the Colorado Healthy Communities Act has imposed new requirements on parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. The Act requires parents to sign standardized forms for exemptions, acknowledging that their decision may endanger their child's health. While COVID-19 vaccines are available for babies, it is recommended that pregnant people receive the RSV vaccine during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect their babies from serious RSV illness after birth. Colorado has also taken steps to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines, with pharmacies now able to provide them without a prescription.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 vaccine availability | Pharmacies are allowed to provide COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription |
| COVID-19 vaccine cost | Free |
| COVID-19 vaccine eligibility | Anyone 6 months or older |
| Maternal RSV vaccine availability | Pfizer RxPathways, public vaccine providers |
| Maternal RSV vaccine eligibility | Pregnant people in weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy from September through January |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines for babies in Colorado
The COVID-19 vaccines are available for babies in Colorado. In September 2025, Colorado's top health official, Dr. Ned Calonge, issued a "standing order" allowing anyone six months or older to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines at a pharmacy without a prescription. This move was intended to ensure equitable vaccine access and prevent hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
Before this order, anyone six months or older could receive the COVID-19 vaccine annually, provided they hadn't had the virus in the previous two months. Doctors could also prescribe the vaccine "off-label" to healthy individuals seeking extra protection before the fall respiratory season. However, insurers may not cover the costs under these circumstances.
In Colorado, the Vaccines for Children program provides no-cost and low-cost COVID-19 vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid, or Medicaid-eligible. Alaskan Native/American Indian children are also eligible for this program. Additionally, Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program, covers COVID-19 vaccines at no charge for its members.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy is the best way to protect yourself and your baby. Vaccination builds antibodies that can protect the developing baby, and there is extensive evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant individuals. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to address specific concerns and understand the number of doses required.
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The Colorado Healthy Communities Act
In Colorado, COVID-19 vaccines are accessible to anyone aged six months or older without a prescription at pharmacies. The state has also taken steps to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are accessible to uninsured and underinsured individuals.
While the Colorado Healthy Communities Act focuses on vaccine exemptions, it is important to note that the majority of parents in Colorado choose to vaccinate their children. Parents who are concerned about their children's health may consult with a healthcare provider to learn more about the number of doses their child needs and when to schedule them. However, such a consultation is not required to receive vaccinations.
Vaccinations during pregnancy are also important for building antibodies that can protect both the pregnant person and the baby. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant individuals, those trying to become pregnant, and breastfeeding individuals.
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Vaccines for Children program
In Colorado, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides no- and low-cost COVID-19 vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid or Medicaid-eligible, and/or Alaskan Native/American Indian. Some VFC providers may also offer low- and no-cost vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults aged 19 and older. The program is federally funded and provides free access to vaccines for low-income and underinsured children. According to Orenstein, who helped launch the program, around half of all children in the US are eligible for free vaccines from the program.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of medical experts that advises the CDC, plays a crucial role in determining which vaccines are covered by the VFC program. ACIP's recommendations guide which immunizations are required for school entry and influence what is covered by insurance. The committee's decisions ultimately affect the health of all Americans.
It is important to note that health insurance, government-issued ID, a social security number, or an out-of-pocket fee are not required to receive a publicly funded vaccine through the VFC program. It is illegal for a clinic to deny a publicly funded vaccine if an individual cannot provide these documents or pay a fee.
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COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription
In Colorado, COVID-19 vaccines are accessible without a prescription. Dr Ned Calonge, the chief medical officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, issued a "standing order" that allows anyone aged six months or older to receive updated COVID-19 vaccines at a pharmacy. This order was issued after CVS and Walgreens announced that their Colorado locations would only provide COVID-19 vaccines to those with a prescription.
The standing order is a prescription for the entire area under a public health department's jurisdiction. This means that anyone in Colorado can walk into a pharmacy and receive a COVID-19 vaccine without presenting a prescription. This rule change is currently only temporary, with a vote to make it permanent anticipated in November.
Colorado is committed to empowering individuals to make choices to protect their health and safety. The state has taken steps to ensure equitable vaccine access, with Governor Jared Polis stating his opposition to "ridiculous and costly red tape" that may prevent Coloradans from accessing vaccines. This order also ensures that frontline healthcare workers are protected and that critical healthcare resources are preserved.
While COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory for school attendance in Colorado, the state has passed the Colorado Healthy Communities Act (SB20-163), which redefines vaccine exemptions and imposes new requirements on parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. This Act has been criticised for removing power from citizens and placing it in the hands of administrative officials, potentially violating parents' Constitutional rights. However, the majority of parents choose to vaccinate their children and will do so without government mandates.
For pregnant individuals in Colorado, it is recommended to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as it is safe and provides protection for both the parent and the developing baby.
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Insurance coverage for COVID vaccines
In the past, COVID-19 vaccines were provided free of charge by the federal government to anyone who wanted one, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. However, with the commercialization of the vaccines, the way they are paid for and whether they are covered by insurance is now dictated by insurance market rules and regulations.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance generally covers all vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). However, as ACIP has not issued updated guidance for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines, coverage is not guaranteed, and insurers can decide whether to pay for the shot.
Healthy adults under 65 can get the new COVID-19 vaccine, but it is not officially approved for them, and most insurers are not required to cover the cost. The cost of the vaccine without insurance is estimated to be up to $140 per dose, and some insurers may require a co-pay or prior authorization.
For people aged 65 and older, the FDA's decision means that Medicare will cover the shots. In addition, state and local health departments offer free COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children, even those with insurance, which can help cover costs such as co-pays or administrative fees.
Uninsured and underinsured individuals may qualify for federal vaccine programs, such as the Vaccines for Children program, which provides no-cost or low-cost COVID-19 vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid, or Medicaid-eligible. Some providers may also have low-cost or no-cost vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Colorado Healthy Communities Act redefines vaccine exemptions and imposes new requirements on parents who choose not to vaccinate their children.
No, it is not mandatory to vaccinate your baby in Colorado. However, it is highly recommended to protect your baby from serious illnesses.
Yes, the Vaccines for Children program provides free or low-cost vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid, or Medicaid-eligible. Pfizer's patient assistance program, Pfizer RxPathways, also offers free vaccines.
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are available for babies in Colorado. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for pregnant people to protect themselves and their babies.
