Guest Post by Ruth M. Alexander, Professor Emerita, Colorado State University

Despite being affected in countless different ways, it’s safe to say that the pandemic had a monumental impact on all of us. For students and faculty in higher education, the pandemic increased stress levels and feelings of uncertainty, which compounded learning disruptions and impacted other aspects of mental and physical health.  But not all the impacts were negative. The pandemic demanded increased collaboration and innovation among the entire CSU community.

These impacts were evidenced in a Covid-19 Oral History Project called “Ram Stories” led by professors at Colorado State University. The project began in 2022 with the goal to capture and document the stories and experiences of students and staff during the pandemic. It was led by Dr. Ruth Alexander, Mark Shelstad, and three History students. Over the course of the project, they conducted nearly 80 interviews with undergraduate and graduate students at CSU about their Covid-19 experiences. Dr. Alexander also interviewed 18 administrative leaders and scientists about their efforts to minimize the harm of the pandemic to people within and far beyond the CSU community. Student researcher Jade Felthoven created a Story Map for the project which shows where students were located across the country during the first months of the pandemic and highlights their reflections about living in a world reshaped by Covid-19.

Everyone interviewed had important lessons to share about the real and potential harms of Covid-19, as well as constructive ideas for how best to respond to the current and future pandemics. Below, we share snippets of some of their stories and experiences.

Covid-19 came to campus. Leadership came together to help students navigate the new world.

In late-February 2020 CSU President Joyce McConnell formed a Pandemic Preparedness Team (PPT). The team was tasked with leading the university’s response to the potentially devastating disease. Marc Baker, co-chair of the PPT, said President McConnell was determined to prioritize scientific data and use a value-based model to sustain the university’s commitments to transparency in leadership and excellence in teaching, research, and outreach.

The PPT met daily for months, moving online as CSU shut down in March. The PPT worked to make the shift to online learning as successful as possible for students and faculty while also monitoring public health data, facilitating CSU scientists’ pivot to Covid-19 research and testing, and planning a re-opening of campus in fall 2020.

Good communication was critical and central to the PPT’s work. Elizabeth Williams, Professor of Organizational and Health Communication, led efforts to survey student opinions and behaviors. Her goal was to figure out “what was actually possible to expect students to do.” She also had to establish viable “social norms” around testing and social distancing on campus. Ann Claycomb, the PPT communications lead, knew it was crucial for the campus community to hear directly and frequently from the CSU President. So, she made sure that President McConnell regularly emailed “affective and positive messages” to the campus community.

CSU scientists rolled up their sleeves to help respond to the pandemic across campus, across Colorado, and beyond.

Scientists at CSU played a critical role in helping lead Covid-19 research. Heather Pidcoke, CSU’s Chief Medical Officer, and Alan Rudolph, the Vice President for Research, led and facilitated these scientists’ innovative work:

• Professor Mark Zabel developed a way to detect Covid-19 in saliva. This allowed the university to administer thousands of tests to students, faculty, and staff as campus reopened in the summer of 2020, before the vaccine was available.

• Simultaneously, Professors Carol Wilusz and Susan DeLong led a wastewater monitoring effort that made it possible for CSU and water districts across the state to detect spikes in SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater. This gave public health officials the data they needed to be able to initiate quarantines and limit disease outbreaks.

• Professor Nicole Ehrhart led a program to test for Covid-19 in assisted living facilities across Colorado and reduce the spread of infection among vulnerable elderly residents.

• Other scientists including Gregg Dean, Ray Goodrich, and Isabela Ragan conducted research on potential Covid-19 vaccines.

All these scientists saw how Covid-19 unleashed extraordinary collaborations across science, government, and public health. According to Ehrhart, “People came out of the woodwork; they came with funding, and they came [saying] ‘Well, let us help.’”

Despite overwhelming challenges, students showed remarkable resilience.

CSU students experienced myriad impacts from the pandemic: the sudden closure of campus and difficult shift to remote learning, food insecurity, social isolation, mental health problems, new and troubling family dynamics, the death of beloved relatives, heightened racism, and deepening political polarization. Student Corinne Neustader remembered “this overwhelming sense of stress and chaos” in 2020. Yet, CSU students also showed remarkable resilience and growth. Student Sarah Myers, who uses art and writing as a stress coping mechanism, saw her writing skills blossom during the pandemic. Others used the time alone to think about their careers, some shifting paths because they had time to reflect and ponder their passions. Students also demonstrated an appreciation for their school’s leadership and innovation during the pandemic. As Caleb Jones remarked, “The groundwater inspection, being able to shut down specific dorms and then… requiring both the proof of vaccine and a negative test to come back to school, I think that was all crucial in their overall control of the virus and the continuation of real life, essentially.”

A tumultuous period uncovered many important lessons for the future.

The CSU Covid-19 Oral History Project highlighted important insights into the human condition and our remarkable ability to come together to solve problems and persist in the face of great struggles. For those in the higher education community, the pandemic taught the importance of prioritizing fact-based, scientific, and clear communication, not only with students but also with the public and policymakers. Unfortunately, the pandemic was often politicized, which caused stark polarization and often resulted in a downplay of the seriousness of our situation. In some cases, this had real-world consequences for people’s health and lives. As Dr. Ray Goodrich puts it, “People use arguments for their own political benefit without thinking about the long-term impact that these policies or practices may have on our communities and societies.” That’s why it’s critical to continue the momentum that started during the pandemic to cultivate collaborative systems that allow us to anticipate and prepare for future public health crises. And that’s also why it’s important for everyone—in higher education, the scientific community, and beyond—to prioritize being transparent about what we know and what we don’t, proactive and honest in our communication, and sympathetic to peoples’ differing levels of education and their fears and skepticism; only then will we be able to foster trust.

Read more about the Ram Stories project and listen to the interviews.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

When you think about vaccines, you might think about young children and babies. While immunizations are certainly important for ensuring young children get a healthy start, they’re also essential throughout the lifespan. Today we turn our focus to teens – a group with their own unique immunization needs and considerations. During adolescence, immunity from some childhood vaccines begins to decrease. Risk for exposure to certain diseases also increases during this stage of life. In short, teens need vaccines, too! So what exactly are the diseases teens need to be vaccinated against and why? 

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Infants and young children receive 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine starting at 2 months of age. This protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Around age 11, immunity to these diseases begins to decrease, so kids this age will need to receive the Tdap vaccine. This vaccine protects older children and adults from the same diseases: 

• Tetanus (or “lockjaw”) is a serious disease caused by bacteria found in environments like dirt or soil. The bacteria produce a toxin which causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to “locking” of the jaw, making it hard or impossible for a person to open their mouth or swallow. Once tetanus spreads throughout the body, there is a chance of death.

• Diphtheria is also caused by bacteria that can produce a toxin. It is spread through respiratory drops from coughs and sneezes or through touching contaminated objects. While diphtheria is now rare thanks to vaccines, it is a serious and highly contagious disease, and outbreaks do happen in other parts of the world outside the U.S.

• Pertussis (or whooping cough) is a highly contagious infection that impacts breathing. It is most severe in infants and young children but affects people of all ages. At first, the infection may seem like an ordinary cold, but as it progresses it causes violent coughing spells so bad that some individuals may experience rib fractures or pass out. Pertussis cases are currently on the rise in the U.S. (more than four times what they were this time in 2023) and globally.

A booster dose of Tdap is necessary every ten years to maintain protection, and those who are pregnant should get the vaccine at 27-36 weeks during every pregnancy. Colorado law requires all students to receive the Tdap vaccine prior to entry into 6th grade.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine is recommended starting at ages 11-12 and can be given as early as age 9. If the first dose of the vaccine is given before age 15, only 2 doses are required. Those who get the first dose after age 15 need 3 doses. HPV is a virus that is spread through intimate skin-to skin contact, including sexual activity. It can cause cervical, genital, anal, and oral cancers, as well as genital warts. The HPV vaccine protects against the 9 types of HPV that cause the most HPV cancers. It is recommended starting at such a young age because that is when the body builds the most robust immunity against the virus. It is also important to give the vaccine before there’s a chance for exposure to the virus. The vaccine won’t work as effectively if it’s given after an HPV infection, so early prevention is key. 

An even more compelling reason to get the HPV vaccine is that HPV is extremely common – so common that nearly everyone will contract HPV at some point in their lives if they are not vaccinated. It’s best to get the HPV vaccine before being exposed to the virus, though there are still some benefits to getting it after. There is no treatment for HPV infection. You can spread it even if you don’t have symptoms. Most infections will clear up on their own, but others do not and can result in genital warts and cancer later in life.  You can learn more about the HPV and the HPV vaccine at HPVFreeCO.org and at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center. 

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease can cause severe blood infection, or sepsis. It is caused mainly by the A, B, C, W, and Y types of meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is spread through respiratory drops when an infected person coughs, sneezes, shares drinks, or kisses another person. The disease also spreads through close contact, so those living in dorm-like settings are at higher risk. While the disease is rare, it is very serious and can become deadly within hours, which is why vaccination is so important.

The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against the A, C, W, and Y strains of meningococcal bacteria, is recommended at age 11 or 12, and a booster should be given at 16-18 years. The MenB vaccine, which protects against the B strain of meningococcal bacteria, is another vaccine that should be considered at ages 16-18. The MenABCWY vaccine is an additional option that protects against all 5 bacteria strains. Depending on your child’s age and previous meningitis immunizations, their provider may offer this vaccine. You can learn more about meningococcal disease prevention from the American Society for Meningitis Prevention. 

Respiratory Diseases: Influenza (flu) and COVID-19

Respiratory diseases like flu and COVID-19 can be severe at any age – even in healthy children and teens. We simply don’t know who will end up with mild illness or who will become so ill they’ll need to be hospitalized, or worse. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Current guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination are similar: regardless of vaccination history, everyone 6 months and older should get the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine to stay protected against the latest circulating disease variants. Often when the topic of COVID-19 and teens comes up, we hear talk of myocarditis. The most important thing you need to know about COVID-19 and myocarditis is that there is a much greater risk of getting it from a COVID-19 infection than from vaccination. While you can still get sick with flu and COVID-19 after vaccination, infections are generally shorter and much milder if you’ve been vaccinated than if you hadn’t.

Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep us safe at any age. When teens are up to date with recommended immunizations, they’ll have the protection they need to face the rites of passage that come with adolescence and stay healthy into adulthood. That, and parents and caregivers can have one fewer worry! If you have questions about vaccines for your teen, visit Immunize For Good or talk to your family’s medical provider.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

It’s August, which means that in addition to Colorado’s monsoon rains and flash floods, bins of school supplies are flooding the aisles of retail super centers and neighborhood grocers. The return to the classroom is an important time to remind parents to ensure their children are up to date on immunizations. After all, students, staff, and school faculty deserve a healthy environment – one that fosters well-being and supports learning. Vaccines are essential to the health of students! But getting kids on track for disease prevention with immunity starts well before kids hit the classroom; it starts at birth. Beyond childhood, it’s safe to say a majority of us would like to maintain our health well into our later years. No matter the life stage, vaccines are an essential component to a healthy life. 

It’s appropriate then that in addition to back to school season, August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, or NIAM. NIAM is an observance that highlights the importance of immunization throughout the lifespan. Today’s Team Vaccine post looks at Colorado’s vaccine requirements for school attendance and why they’re essential in safeguarding students, along with how vaccines are a necessary tool to ensure our health from infancy and beyond.

Vaccination is the smart and healthy way to prevent and stop the spread of dangerous diseases and the law for students.

Children’s immune systems – especially those of young children – are not fully developed. This means kids are more likely to catch and spread illness. Combined with that, schools are an opportune environment for the transmission of dangerous diseases; kids are in close contact, share objects regularly, and don’t always remember to cover coughs and sneezes. And because diseases like measles can spread rapidly, we need adequate vaccine uptake in schools. It’s also true that immunizations do more than protect the individuals who get them. They also prevent the spread of diseases to others. This includes people who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, may be too young to receive certain vaccines, or are immunocompromised. 

Colorado, like all other states, requires students attending schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases. 

Child care-required vaccines include:

• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

K-12 school-required vaccines include:

• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) 
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Note that the final dose of DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella must be administered prior to kindergarten entry and Tdap must be administered prior to 6th grade entry. A single dose of Tdap is required for all 6th-12th grade students.

Additionally, college and university students in Colorado are required to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and those living in student housing must have received a meningococcal ACWY vaccine within the 5 years prior to attendance. 

While Colorado does have the option for parents to obtain exemptions to vaccinations, it is important to note that immunization rates are down both in Colorado and nationally and vaccine exemptions are up. This leaves our kids and our communities vulnerable to the diseases that vaccines prevent. We need robust immunization coverage to keep everyone safe!

Outside the school environment, vaccines offer protection from birth throughout the lifespan.

There’s a saying in the immunization advocacy world: “Vaccines create adults.” Data supports this. The CDC estimates that for children born between 1994 and 2023, vaccines will prevent more than 500 million illnesses and more than 1 million deaths. While vaccines offer robust protection, the diseases they prevent haven’t gone anywhere. We can only ensure protection from them by maintaining widespread immunity through continued vaccination in every stage of life. 

Childhood vaccinations: During infancy and through the early childhood years, children are most vulnerable to disease. Their immune systems are not fully developed and therefore not always strong enough to fight off diseases. They are, however, well-equipped to respond to multiple vaccines. The CDC’s routine childhood immunization schedule is determined by a panel of infectious disease experts. The schedule is designed to give children vaccines when their immune systems will best respond to them and before children are most likely to encounter disease. The schedule offers the greatest protection possible from 18 different diseases. Note that the list of Colorado school-required vaccines does not include all the vaccines on the CDC’s schedule. To be fully protected, your child will also need immunizations for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, hepatitis A, human papillomavirus (HPV), and COVID-19.

Adolescent vaccinations: Immunizations are also necessary in the tween and teen years. At this age, immunity from some early childhood vaccines wears off and the risk of other infections increases. Vaccines at this age can even help protect fertility. Starting around age 11, adolescents will need the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. This is also the age when their immune systems are most responsive to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine, which protects against 6 types of cancer that could emerge later in life. (Note that kids can receive the HPV vaccine as early as age 9.) Also at age 11-12, they will need protection from meningococcal disease types ACW and Y with a MenACWY vaccine; they’ll need a booster at age 16. Also at age 16, teens should get the meningitis B vaccine, MenB. These vaccines protect against meningococcal disease which, while rare, can be deadly within hours. It’s also important for adolescents to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 vaccines and receive an annual flu shot. 

Adult vaccinations: Many people don’t realize it, but it’s important for adults to continue to get vaccinated, too. As we age, our immune systems naturally begin to decline and lose some of the strength and immunity they built in our younger years. Older adults are at increased risk of severe illness, making up a majority of hospitalizations and deaths from most vaccine-preventable diseases. Couple this with preexisting conditions like heart disease or diabetes and the risk is even greater. This is especially true for diseases like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. In addition to getting vaccines for those three diseases, adults should be vaccinated for pneumonia, hepatitis B, and shingles. Depending on vaccine history, age, and other risk factors, adults should also ask about vaccinations for mpox, varicella, HPV, hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, and haemophilus influenzae type B. All adults should receive a Tdap booster every ten years to protect against tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria. 

In the school setting and throughout our entire lives, vaccines are imperative to protect both individual and community health! This National Immunization Awareness Month, as we share the importance of immunization, we urge you to check with your medical provider and ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date with recommended routine vaccines. This way, you’ll not only protect yourself, but everyone around you. 

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

Hey Colorado! Did you know that we’re lagging behind in childhood vaccination coverage? That’s right! According to data from Children’s Hospital Colorado, we’re ranked 34th in the nation for children 35 months of age who’ve completed their recommended vaccines. It doesn’t get much better for our state’s kindergartners – for all vaccines, kindergarten immunization rates fall below 90% (except hep B at 91%). We need roughly 95% vaccination coverage for most diseases. And yes, 5% is a large difference when we’re talking immunization coverage. As one recent headline put it, “Colorado vaccination rates are ‘an accident waiting to happen.” Sadly, this puts our children and our communities at risk for dangerous diseases. 

Many of us may not recognize the diseases we vaccinate against as a threat. After all, vaccines have been so successful that we just don’t see these diseases regularly in our communities like the generations that came before us did. That makes it easy to downplay the importance of routine immunizations. The truth is diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox are still out there, and when we have gaps in vaccinations, we create the opportunity for disease transmission. Take measles for example. It’s among the most contagious and most dangerous of vaccine-preventable diseases. Nationally, we’ve seen an uptick in cases this year; as of July 11th there have been 167 cases in the U.S. That’s more cases than the previous four years combined. But measles isn’t the only disease that poses a threat to our children and our community. Let’s take a look at chickenpox (varicella). 

What is chickenpox, how does it spread, and how contagious is it?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is characterized by the itchy, often blistering rash that accompanies infection. The rash begins in the upper areas of the body like the chest, back, or face. It can then spread to the rest of the body including inside the mouth, eyelids, and genital area (ouch!). Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. The infection is spread by contact with an infected person through their coughs or sneezes, or through contact with fluid from a chickenpox blister. A person is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have scabbed over. Most infections last from 4 to 7 days. Children generally miss between 5 and 6 days of school from chickenpox. If not immune, up to 90% of people who come into contact with an infected person will also become infected. 

It is important to note that the same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant and can reactivate later in life resulting in shingles. People who have never had chickenpox or who do not have immunity to chickenpox through vaccination can get chickenpox from a person infected with shingles. This happens through contact with fluid from shingles blisters or through breathing particles from shingles blisters. You cannot, however, get shingles from a person with a shingles infection. Shingles causes a painful, itchy rash and can lead to serious complications like nerve pain and vision loss.

Chickenpox is best prevented through vaccination.

While some consider chickenpox a childhood disease or rite of passage, the truth is chickenpox infections can be serious. Complications from chickenpox include bacterial infections, pneumonia, brain infection or swelling, bleeding problems, bloodstream infections (sepsis), and dehydration. Serious cases of chickenpox can result in hospitalization and even death, though these are rare today. Even healthy adults and children can get seriously ill from chickenpox infection. There’s no way to tell who will develop a serious infection, which is why it’s a good idea to stop it from ever developing in the first place. Thankfully, we have a safe and effective chickenpox vaccine to help do just that. The chickenpox vaccine is given as a two-dose series. Children should get their first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years. In Colorado, the second dose must be given prior to kindergarten entry. Everyone 13 years and older without chickenpox immunity should get 2 doses of the vaccine 4-8 weeks apart. 

Breakthrough infections in people vaccinated against chickenpox are rare. That said, some vaccinated people can still get chickenpox – no vaccine is 100% effective. However, breakthrough infections are generally mild and the infection period is often shorter. While those vaccinated against chickenpox have a much lower chance of developing shingles later in life, there is a small chance they could still get it. The shingles vaccine should be given to everyone starting at age 50.

Set Colorado kids up for a lifetime of health with routine vaccines for chickenpox and other diseases.

Need to get your child caught up with vaccines? Life and managing a family can be hectic, but you have to make time for health. Otherwise, you may be forced to take time off work or school for illness, or worse! You can find free or low-cost vaccine providers at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website or take a look at our Vaccine Clinic Calendar to find an upcoming clinic. 

Have questions about chickenpox or other routine vaccines? That’s normal and healthy! Just make sure you take your questions to a reputable source like your family’s medical provider, your local pharmacist, or local public health agency. You can even head over to Immunize Colorado’s parent-facing website, ImmunizeForGood.com, where you can get reliable, scientifically-vetted vaccine information. 

All Colorado kids should have the opportunity to learn, live, and thrive. Lagging vaccination rates can take this opportunity away. Kids should be able to attend school and childcare without the risk of contracting a preventable disease. With the availability of vaccines for diseases like chickenpox, why take a chance and risk subjecting your child (or even someone else’s) to unnecessary, painful, and possibly serious illness? Let’s get our immunization rates up and keep our children protected. They deserve it! 

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

Do you have questions about vaccines for your children? Do you feel inundated with vaccine information online and on social media? You’re not alone! It’s completely normal to have questions, but it’s not always easy to find answers you can trust – especially these days! That’s why Immunize Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), recently revamped and fully updated the Immunize For Good websites in English and Spanish. At ImmunizeForGood.com and VacunalosPorSuBien.com, we help you cut through the noise so you can:

Learn the benefits of vaccination. 

Parents and caregivers all want the best for their kids. From researching the best pediatrician to making sure the car seat is installed properly, you make informed choices that benefit your child’s health and safety every day. Making informed choices about immunizations is no different. Immunization helps prevent illness, protects both your loved ones and your community, and helps reduce and even eliminate diseases worldwide. Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in history, but vaccine-preventable diseases still exist, so we have to keep vaccinating.

Learn the truth about common vaccine myths.

Fact and fiction are not always easy to distinguish, especially when it comes to health topics. It’s hard to know what to believe. From myths about aluminum in vaccines to a link between vaccines and autism, vaccine misinformation is rampant. The Immunize For Good websites  explain the truth about these topics and more in the Fact or Fiction section. 

Learn about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

At ImmunizeForGood.com and VacunalosPorSuBien.com, we break down information on 18 different vaccine-preventable diseases. We explain the potential complications of each, as well as the importance of vaccines and the progress vaccines have made in reducing rates of disease. We go over vaccine recommendations, side effects, and vaccine ingredients, and we explain how vaccines work and how they are made. We even dive into vaccines that scientists are currently working to develop. 

Hear from real parents about why they choose to vaccinate. 

Did you know that nearly all parents and caregivers choose to vaccinate their kids on time and on schedule? You might not get that message with your local parent group, online, or on social media. In today’s world, celebrities and even politicians work to erode trust in vaccines, but on our Parents Talk page, real parents and caregivers share why they choose to vaccinate.

Get immunization resources. 

You might have questions about where and how to get vaccines. You might have a child with a unique healthcare need. Or you might wonder how to create a stress-free vaccine experience for your child. We’ve got all that covered in our Resource Center. We even go over vaccinations needed for pregnancy, information on school vaccine requirements, and how to get immunization records.

When you visit ImmunizeForGood.com and VacunalosPorSuBien.com you can rest assured you’re getting reliable information. The website content is reviewed regularly by both Immunize Colorado staff and scientific healthcare experts with years of experience working with and researching vaccines. So come on over. Get the facts and “Immunize For Good!”

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

Have you found yourself spending more time outdoors lately? You’re not alone. Recent weather has Coloradans from the eastern plains to the western slope clamoring for more time in the sun hiking, biking, gardening, and taking in all our great state has to offer. These activities mean more opportunities for scrapes, wounds, and injuries. Did you know that tetanus bacteria live in our environment? People often associate tetanus with rusty nails or barbed wire fencing, but it’s actually more often transmitted by dust or soil that enters the body through a wound or cut. Today on the Team Vaccine blog, we showcase the often deadly disease and what you can do to protect yourself and the ones you love.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus (also called “lockjaw”) is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. The bacteria produce a toxin which causes painful tightening of the muscles. This can lead to “locking” of the jaw and leave a person unable to open their mouth or swallow. Unlike many other diseases we vaccinate for, tetanus is not a communicable disease that you can catch from another person. Tetanus bacteria live in our environment and we can get tetanus from wounds and cuts. The following are types of wounds that pose greater risk for tetanus infection:

• A wound that gets dirty with soil, feces, or saliva (from either animal or human bites)
• Puncture or penetrating wounds
• Wounds that cause skin tissue to die including compound fractures, crush injuries, burns, and frostbite

There is no cure for tetanus. Proper wound care combined with vaccination are the best ways to prevent tetanus. If you or a loved one experience any of the above types of wounds, consult a medical provider who can help assess the risk of tetanus infection, discuss treatment, and also help determine your vaccination status to decide if further tetanus vaccination is necessary. 

What are the signs, symptoms, and complications of tetanus infection?

Symptoms of tetanus infection typically occur between 3 to 21 days from exposure. Often, the first sign is spasms of the jaw. After that, symptoms progress and worsen, working down throughout the body. Other symptoms may include trouble swallowing, muscle spasms, headache, stiffness throughout the body, fever, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and seizures.

Complications from tetanus infection can include difficulty breathing, tightening of the vocal cords, blood clots in the lungs, lung infection, and bone fractures. Once tetanus spreads throughout the body, there is a chance of death. Between 10 and 20% of tetanus cases result in death.

Those older than 60, people who have diabetes, and those who are immunosuppressed are at greater risk if they get a tetanus infection. Tetanus infection in pregnant people and newborn babies is extremely dangerous.

What vaccines protect against tetanus and when should they be given?

Tetanus infection does not lead to immunity; people who survive a tetanus infection can get reinfected. Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus. Tetanus vaccines have been in use since the 1940s. They are safe and while they are effective, protection does wane over time. That’s why it’s important to stay current with both vaccinations and booster doses of DTaP and Tdap vaccines which protect against not only tetanus, but also diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccines are recommended for: 

• Infants and children, who should get 5 total doses of DTaP vaccine, 1 dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. Colorado law requires the 5th dose of DTaP for kindergarten entry.
• Teens, who should get 1 dose of Tdap vaccine between 11 and 12 years. Colorado law requires the Tdap vaccine for entry into 6th grade.
• Pregnant people, who should get 1 dose of Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy at 27-36 weeks. This provides passive immunity to their baby at birth and for the first two months of life while they are too young to receive the DTaP vaccine. It’s also important to make sure that those in close contact with infants are up to date with Tdap vaccines. This helps shield or “cocoon” them from whooping cough which is also extremely dangerous for babies.
• Adults, who should receive the Tdap vaccine if they have never had it. After that, adults should receive a Tdap booster every ten years. 

While you and your loved ones enjoy the great Colorado outdoors this summer and beyond, ensure that tetanus doesn’t ruin the fun by ensuring everyone is protected with DTaP and Tdap vaccines. Talk to your medical provider, local public health department, or pharmacist if you have questions about tetanus or tetanus vaccines. 

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

We haven’t reached the summer solstice just yet, but by all other accounts, summer is here. With its arrival, summer brings celebrations of many kinds. As people gather at festivals and other crowded events, the risk for transmitting diseases like mpox increases. In Colorado, we are already seeing an increase in mpox transmission; there have been 61 cases in 2024 as of May 22. You might be wondering what exactly mpox is and how you can stay safe. Today, we’ll share just that, along with who’s most at risk and information on treatments and vaccines.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that most notably causes a rash that can appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or areas around the genitals. While most infected people will recover within 2 – 4 weeks, mpox can cause severe illness. The rash from mpox starts out looking like pimples, but progresses to blister and then scab and causes itching and pain. The rash is not considered fully healed until a new layer of skin has formed. 

Other symptoms of mpox include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and achiness. Sore throat, congestion, or cough may also occur. Symptoms of mpox begin within 21 days of exposure to and may not develop until up to that point. Flu-like symptoms appear first and the rash appears 1 – 4 days later. 

How is mpox spread?

Mpox is spread through close skin-to-skin, intimate, or sexual contact with an infected person. This includes contact with mpox rashes or scabs, contact with saliva, mucus, bodily fluids from an infected person, or extended close face-to-face talking and breathing. Mpox is also spread through contact with objects such as bedding, clothing, or surfaces used by an infected person. 

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans and vice versa. People infected with mpox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, to prevent further spread of the virus. 

It’s not clear if mpox can spread in pools, hot tubs, or splash pads, but the mpox virus is killed in water containing the proper chlorine level recommended by the CDC for disinfection. 

Who is most at risk of contracting mpox?

Anyone can get mpox. The virus does not discriminate. That said, data does indicate that certain people may be at increased risk. These include:

• Men who have sex with men
• Transgender people
• Gender-diverse people
• Sex workers
• People who have had (in the last 6 months) or will have more than one sexual or intimate partner
• People who have one or more sexually transmitted infections
• People who have sex at large public events in areas with mpox transmission

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to mpox?

If you think you’ve been exposed to mpox, you should contact a healthcare provider. Currently, testing is only available to people experiencing a rash, sores, or bumps. Even if you have previously been vaccinated or infected with mpox, you should get tested if you develop a rash and think you may have been exposed. 

At your testing appointment, you will need to take preventive measures to ensure you don’t transmit mpox to others. You will need to wear a mask that completely covers both your nose and mouth and make sure that any rashes or sores are completely covered by either clothing or bandages. 

You can find a list of providers who offer mpox testing on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website.

If you do test positive for mpox, you will need to isolate yourself from others including those you live with and pets. You should not share any personal items such as soap or toothbrushes. Avoid using razors, contact lenses, and makeup until your rash is fully healed to keep from spreading mpox to other body parts. You should also wash dishes immediately after use. You can find more in-depth isolation guidance, including how to properly disinfect surfaces and laundry, from CDPHE.

You should also notify others with whom you have been in close contact after an mpox diagnosis. This includes not only sexual or intimate partners, but people you’ve hugged, cuddled, or kissed, or shared cups, utensils, towels, bedding, or other objects with. If you prefer to notify people anonymously, there are services like tellyourpartner.org that will notify them and assist them with testing recommendations.

What about vaccines and treatments?  

There is not a specific treatment for mpox. Medicines like over the counter pain relievers and rash relief products can help manage symptoms. If you are at risk for or develop a severe infection, your provider may order antiviral treatment which will help lower the amount of the virus in your body. While we don’t have specific treatments for mpox, we can help prevent its spread by avoiding social gatherings such as raves, parties, or clubs where there is minimal clothing and a chance for close skin-to-skin contact. Staying home if you feel sick is another important way to prevent transmission of diseases like mpox. 

While avoiding gatherings and situations where mpox can spread this summer is helpful, the mpox vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of mpox. Anyone who thinks they are at risk of exposure to mpox can be vaccinated. You should get vaccinated if you have had intimate or sexual contact with a person at risk of contracting mpox or who may have an mpox infection. Two doses of the mpox vaccine four weeks apart are needed for maximum protection. It will take two weeks after the second dose to be fully protected. Get vaccinated as soon as possible if you are exposed to mpox. 

The mpox vaccine can be given intradermally (between the top layers of skin) or subcutaneously into the fat layer underneath the skin on the back of the arm. Intradermal vaccination may leave a scar. You can ask for subcutaneous vaccination if you’d like to avoid the risk of visible scarring. Both methods of vaccination are equally effective.

You can find a list of Colorado mpox vaccine providers on CDPHE’s website. The vaccine is free and you will not need to show an ID or insurance to receive it.

Vaccines, like the mpox vaccine, are an important tool to ensure a safe and healthy summer. Ensure you and your loved ones are protected. If you have questions about mpox or the mpox vaccine, contact a trusted source of information like your medical provider or your local public health agency. 

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

News headlines showcasing outbreaks of infectious diseases are all too common these days. During the pandemic, many families missed routine medical appointments. That meant people weren’t getting routine vaccines. That, combined with a loud minority of folks working against science and vaccines, means we have many communities of people at risk. It’s easy to think the diseases we vaccinate for are a thing of the past. The reality is that they’re not. Those diseases still exist and when we don’t vaccinate, we create opportunities for them to spread. While measles is among the most feared vaccine-preventable diseases and seems to dominate today’s headlines, there are other serious diseases we can’t let our guard down against. Today, we highlight whooping cough. We explain what it is, who is most at risk, and who needs to be vaccinated (hint: nearly all of us).

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a serious highly infectious disease. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria and is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Outbreaks can occur in school or child care settings and areas with a concentration of unvaccinated people. Whooping cough is common in the U.S.

Symptoms appear 7 – 14 days after infection and can last  6 – 10 weeks. While whooping cough may start as a simple cold, it progresses to cause uncontrollable coughing spells. Whooping cough is marked by the “whoop” sound that is made following coughing when an infected person inhales. Whooping cough can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. We’re lucky to live in a time when we have a vaccine to protect against whooping cough!

Who is most at risk for severe infection?

While whooping cough can affect people of all ages, it can be deadly for infants and young children. Some infants who get whooping cough will not cough at all. Instead, they will stop breathing and turn blue. About one third of babies who get whooping cough will be hospitalized. One in five will contract pneumonia and one in 100 will die. 

Infants cannot be vaccinated until two months of age. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pregnant people receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy. By getting vaccinated while pregnant, antibodies are passed to the infant who will then be protected for the first few months of life. The CDC also recommends surrounding babies with protection by ensuring those around them are up to date with whooping cough vaccines. This practice is also known as “cocooning.”

While complications are worse in infants and very young children, whooping cough can be serious for other populations as well. This includes pregnant people. Coughs from the disease can cause people to vomit, lose control of their bladder, faint, and even fracture ribs. Cases of whooping cough in adolescents and adults are likely under-reported because their symptoms are milder.

Who should be vaccinated for whooping cough?

While whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, there are vaccines to help prevent it. Everyone should be vaccinated for whooping cough. (Those who have had allergic reactions to previous pertussis vaccines or who have certain health conditions may not be able to be vaccinated.) The DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Infants should get a dose of the DTaP vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 – 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years of age. Adolescents need the Tdap vaccine between 11 and 12 years old. In Colorado, the final dose of the DTaP vaccine is required before kindergarten entry, and the Tdap vaccine is required before entry into 6th grade. Adults should get the Tdap vaccine if they’ve never received it. A booster dose of Tdap should be given every 10 years to maintain protection.

It’s important to note that you can still get whooping cough even if you’ve been vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective. However, vaccinated people usually have much milder infections than unvaccinated people.

Vaccination is not something we do solely for ourselves. When we vaccinate, we help stop the spread of dangerous diseases and protect those in our communities who are most vulnerable, like infants too young to get a whooping cough vaccine. When enough of us are vaccinated, we won’t see any more headlines with outbreaks of preventable disease.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!

It’s no secret, vaccines are a powerhouse in protecting public health. In fact, vaccines prevent 4-5 million deaths worldwide each year! What’s lesser known is the powerhouse role women have played in the history of vaccine development, administration, and uptake. Women have been instrumental in what is largely considered the greatest public health achievement of all time. This Women’s History Month, let’s take a look at just a few:

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who lived from 1689 to 1762, was a British author and poet. Her husband served as the British ambassador to Turkey. It was in Turkey where Montagu noticed women who seemed to evade smallpox, lacking the telltale scars from infection on their skin. She learned from them the practice of inoculation, which involved making small cuts in the skin and placing small amounts of liquid infected with smallpox in the cuts. She even inoculated her son while there. In 1721 upon returning to Britain, there was a severe smallpox outbreak. She inoculated her daughter and shared the practice with physicians. Word spread, and others also successfully inoculated their own children. However, not unlike today, she found herself amid misinformation about the practice of inoculation and was ridiculed. She did not know it at the time, but the practice she brought from Turkey would be key to Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine 75 years later. Jenner, who was inoculated as a child with this method, recognized that dairymaids who contracted cowpox seemed to be immune from smallpox. Hypothesizing that the two illnesses were related, Jenner employed the same method Montagu brought from Turkey using fluid from cowpox to inoculate people against smallpox. It is much thanks to Montagu that Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine. Today, people no longer get smallpox; it is the only disease to have been successfully eradicated from the globe.

Henrietta Lacks

At age 31 in the early 1950s, Henrietta Lacks sought care for what was diagnosed as cervical cancer. She received treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital – one of the only places that would treat Black people during that time. During her treatment, doctors took samples of her cells without her or her family’s knowledge; consent was not required at that time. While Lacks died shortly after her diagnosis, her cells had a unique ability to survive and reproduce. Applied in the development of the polio vaccine, genetic mapping, cancer research, and even COVID-19 vaccines, the cells have proven key to many modern medical innovations. They continue to be used today and are known as “HeLa” cells. 

Rosalynn Carter and Betty Bumpers

After having worked to increase vaccination uptake in Georgia and Arkansas, respectively, Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, and Former First Lady of Arkansas, Betty Bumpers joined together in 1991 amid a measles outbreak in the U.S. to form Every Child By Two (now known as Vaccinate Your Family). The two women traveled across the country to help bolster vaccination uptake nationally and help build immunization coalitions across the U.S. Bumpers and Carter are responsible for laws mandating school immunizations, and the coalitions they helped form positively impact pro-vaccination policies nationwide. Policies promoting immunization uptake and state vaccination requirements for school entry safeguard both students and faculty alike in an environment where the likelihood for disease transmission is high.

Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, PhD

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke amid a race against time and a mounting death toll, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire and her team at the National Institute of Health would spend countless hours developing what would become the Moderna mRNA vaccine. Having studied coronaviruses for over five years, Corbett-Helaire built on her previous research which determined spike proteins to be the key to coronavirus vaccines. Aside from this work, Corbett-Helaire stands as a role model for other aspiring women of color, allowing them to see themselves as leaders in the field of science.  

This list includes just a few of the countless women who have made a difference in the vaccine world. We could never include them all in just one blog post! Immunize Colorado celebrates all the women involved in elevating the essential role vaccines play in preventing illness and promoting healthy communities in Colorado and beyond! To learn more about the roles women have played in vaccine history, check out The women who made modern vaccines work and Vaccines and Women’s History Month.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities or make a donation today!

It’s happening more and more. Measles outbreaks are in the news on what seems like a daily basis. As measles cases creep up across the country, Coloradans should look at their immunization records to ensure they’re adequately protected against measles and all other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Vaccines only work to prevent disease spread when enough people in a community have been vaccinated. While measles reigns supreme in today’s headlines, we could easily see headlines with mentions of outbreaks of other VPDs. Let’s turn our attention today to polio, another serious disease once common in the U.S. that still exists in some parts of the world.

What is polio?

Polio is a very contagious virus. Some people who get polio have no symptoms at all. For others, infection can lead to paralysis and even death. Those who do survive an initial polio infection may develop new symptoms like muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue years later. This is known as post-polio syndrome (PPS). Polio is mainly spread through fecal-oral contamination when a person comes into contact with the stool from an infected person or a contaminated object. The virus replicates in the intestinal tract. From there, it can enter the bloodstream and infect the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for polio. Vaccination is the only protection we have against polio.

Polio vaccines and the fight to end polio

In 1979, polio was eliminated from the United States. Worldwide, cases of wild polio have decreased by 99% since 1988 when there were 350,000 cases in 125 countries; in 2022, there were only 30 cases in 3 countries. This is attributed to the powerful impact of high vaccine uptake. In July 2022, the U.S. saw its first case of polio since 2013. An unvaccinated individual from New York contracted a form of polio that can be traced to the live, weakened oral polio vaccine. 

The oral polio vaccine (OPV) uses a weakened version of the poliovirus. OPV has not been used in the United States since 2000. We use the inactivated (or dead) polio vaccine (IPV) developed by Jonas Salk in 1955. In other parts of the world where wild polio is still regularly occurring, the oral polio vaccine is still used since it can be easily administered and does not require an injection. Neither IPV nor OPV can cause wild polio. However, the virus used in OPV can be excreted in feces and spread to others, especially in areas with poor hygiene and low vaccination coverage. If it circulates enough, it can, in very rare cases, mutate and genetically change into a form of vaccine-derived polio that can cause paralysis. The 2022 New York case was this type of vaccine-derived paralytic polio. People who have been vaccinated against polio are not at risk for vaccine-derived polio. The best way to protect against wild and vaccine-derived polio is to get vaccinated!

Being unvaccinated comes with risks

Since polio is still present in other parts of the world, travelers can transmit it and bring it to our communities. When that happens, unvaccinated people become vulnerable to infection. We’ve seen drops in routine immunizations since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Colorado, 1 in 5 children is missing vaccines. All Coloradans, especially children, deserve to live healthy lives where they can thrive without the worry of preventable diseases.

The polio vaccine is very safe and, like all other vaccines, it undergoes continuous monitoring. Vaccination against polio may cause pain and redness at the injection site. Infection from polio may cause sore throat, fever, stomach pain, vomiting, stiff neck, headache, paralysis, or even death. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks!  It is recommended that four doses of IPV are given: one dose each at 2, 4, and 6 – 18 months of age, and a fourth dose at 4 – 6 years of age. If your child needs the polio vaccine or other vaccines, talk with their provider about getting caught up. It’s up to all of us to ensure we don’t see headlines and the impact of preventable disease outbreaks in Colorado!

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities or make a donation today!