Many Colorado providers were instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 20-163, regarding immunizations for Colorado’s school entry process. As of July 1, 2021, this new law is in effect and applies to students returning for the 2021-2022 school year. This new law creates a system for increased education for parents and caregivers seeking a nonmedical exemption from vaccines required for school entry. The measure also improves the tracking and reporting system for all immunizations.
In an effort to support pediatric professionals across our state as they help to implement these changes, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), American Academy of Pediatrics – Colorado Chapter, and Immunize Colorado have partnered to create a toolkit: Colorado’s New School Entry Immunization Law: Implementation Guidance and Tools for Primary Care Providers.
The toolkit includes:
- modifiable templates,
- vaccine safety discussion points,
- best practices regarding the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), and
- official Certificates of Medical and Nonmedical Exemption.
These templates and tools are for primary care providers to utilize and customize as helpful for their practice and unique to their community and patient population. Our aim through the Colorado School Entry Immunization Toolkit is to assist providers in continued efforts to reach families whom they serve, help them understand the importance of vaccinations, and emphasize the role providers play together in keeping students and schools in our communities safe and thriving. (Please note the toolkit link is to a Google folder, which will always have the most up-to-date PDF version of the document, including answers to new questions and resources as needed.)
In addition, our organizations held a webinar on the implementation of Colorado’s new school entry immunization requirements. Access the webinar recording.