Governor Jared Polis has instructed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to take steps that will make updated COVID-19 vaccines more accessible for residents this fall. In response, CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan issued Public Health Order 25-01, while Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge signed a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without requiring individual prescriptions. The new measures are set to begin on Friday, September 5, 2025.
These actions follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to limit approval of updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines only to individuals aged 65 and older or those at higher risk for severe illness. State officials say this restriction could have forced many Coloradans seeking vaccination to obtain a doctor’s prescription, creating barriers for those wanting additional protection against COVID-19.
“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.”
The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which typically guides Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy as well as insurance coverage for federally funded vaccines, has not released updated recommendations this year. Without state intervention through these orders, many residents would have needed a doctor’s prescription before receiving a vaccine at a pharmacy.
Dr. Ned Calonge’s standing order allows all Coloradans aged six months or older access to updated COVID-19 vaccines directly from pharmacies without an extra doctor’s visit or prescription.
Public Health Order 25-01 instructs CDPHE staff to provide clear guidance about vaccine safety and effectiveness; work with other agencies on removing obstacles; coordinate with Medicaid administrators regarding coverage impacts; collaborate with insurance regulators so plans under state authority cover vaccinations; and review pharmacy rules so they can continue providing immunizations.
In line with these directives, the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy will hold an emergency rulemaking hearing on September 5th at 9 a.m., where it will address regulations ensuring pharmacists—and qualified pharmacy staff—can prescribe, dispense, and administer vaccinations according to 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.”
The new orders remain in effect until September 4th of next year unless changed or revoked by state authorities.
For further details about COVID-19 vaccination options in Colorado visit cdphe.colorado.gov/covid19-vaccine.
