Governor Jared Polis has directed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to take immediate steps to make updated COVID-19 vaccines accessible to all residents in the state. In response, CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan issued Public Health Order 25-01, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge released a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without requiring individual prescriptions from doctors. These measures are set to begin on September 5, 2025.
The new actions follow a recent decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which limited approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season only to individuals aged 65 and older or those at higher risk for severe disease. State officials said this restriction could have required Coloradans seeking vaccination to first obtain a doctor’s prescription, potentially causing confusion and limiting access. The FDA’s stance appears at odds with earlier guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as 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,” said 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, the COVID-19 vaccine should be available to those who choose at many local pharmacies.”
This year, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) did not issue updated recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination—a departure from previous years when its guidance influenced CDC policy, federal funding availability, and insurance coverage. State officials said that without state-level intervention through these new orders, many residents would have needed prescriptions before receiving vaccinations at pharmacies.
Dr. Ned Calonge’s standing order will serve as a prescription for all Colorado residents aged six months or older wishing to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine directly from pharmacies.
Public Health Order 25-01 instructs CDPHE staff on several points: they must provide clear information about vaccine safety; work with other agencies on removing barriers; review Medicaid coverage implications; coordinate with insurance regulators about vaccine coverage; and ensure pharmacy rules support broad access.
The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy plans an emergency rulemaking hearing on September 5th at 9 a.m., where it will consider updates ensuring that pharmacists—and certain pharmacy staff—can continue prescribing and administering vaccinations under state law.
“Since October 1, 2024, more than 4,500 Coloradans have been hospitalized due to COVID-19,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE. “This order ensures that Colorado takes every step possible to prevent hospitalizations, protect frontline health care workers, and preserve critical health care resources. Equitable vaccine access is a cornerstone of protecting the public’s health.”
These orders will remain effective until September 4, 2026 unless changed or revoked.
More details about vaccine eligibility can be found through official CDPHE resources.
