In 2021 Senate Bill 21-016: Protecting Preventive Health Coverage was passed into law. The law allows minors to consent to certain vaccines that protect against common and sometimes dangerous infections. Parental or legal guardian approval is now not required for people under age 18 to obtain the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines during a healthcare visit that includes the discussion of reproductive health.
On May 10, Immunize Colorado hosted a webinar during which Jack Teter, the Regional Director of Government Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, discussed the new law and its implications. The webinar also featured an overview of the Alliance for HPV Free Colorado and its work to expand access to the HPV vaccine across Colorado.
Additionally, to help parents, youth, and healthcare providers understand the new law and their role in implementing it, Immunize Colorado, Denver Health and the Alliance for HPV Free Colorado created a fact sheet, available in English and Spanish.