Governor Polis Signs Executive Order to Increase Vaccination Rates in Colorado
DENVER — Governor Jared Polis today signed an executive order to increase vaccination rates in Colorado. The Governor was joined by a bipartisan group of legislators and public health officials today as he signed the executive order at Colorado Children’s Hospital Uptown in Denver.
“What we’re proposing is a third way - expanding education and access to vaccines - which will lead to more kids being vaccinated while respecting the right of parents to make their own health care decisions,” said Governor Polis.
"Immunizations are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of diseases that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The department is fully aligned with Gov. Polis in his goal to increase immunization rates and provide more Coloradans with access to vaccinations. We want to ensure that every community is safe from preventable outbreaks and this executive order provides the tools we need to be assertive in this goal," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“Amidst the largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades, we are optimistic Governor Polis’ executive order will help Colorado address the frighteningly low vaccination rates that have left our children unnecessarily at risk for preventable diseases,” said Pediatrician Sean O’Leary on behalf of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition and American Academy of Pediatrics. “My colleagues and I treat kids on a daily basis and see the dire consequences when kids aren’t vaccinated. This is a bold step in the right direction, and we look forward to further work with the Governor and legislature to address this public health crisis.”
“Although I am traveling and unable to be there in person, I am heartened to see Governor Polis take affirmative steps through the signing of this Executive Order to ensure that Colorado does more to increase our vaccination rate, thereby upholding our shared responsibility to keep all kids safe and healthy. I look forward to continue working on this issue with my colleagues next session,” said Senator Julie Gonzales.
This executive order will:
• Focus on outreach through education
• Better utilize data in the Colorado Immunization Information System
• Create more consistent exemption policies
• Drive more effective conversations between parents and health care providers
• Increase access to vaccines in rural areas and communities with limited access to health care providers
The signed executive order can be found here.