Our Mission
At Immunize Colorado, we work to protect Colorado families, schools, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunize Colorado works with health care providers, public health departments, businesses, policy makers, and community organizations to fulfill our mission. By focusing on six programming areas – coalition building, community outreach, provider education, data translation, free and low-cost immunization partnerships, and public policy – the coalition leverages the strengths and resources of our community partners to maximize the effectiveness of our efforts.
Our History
Immunize Colorado was first formed in 1991 in response to the alarming fact that only about 50 percent of children in our state were adequately immunized. A group of concerned physicians, insurance providers, parents, and state officials met to strategize and develop a plan to improve and sustain childhood immunization rates in Colorado. As part of that strategy, the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition incorporated as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization in 1999. In 2020, the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition changed our name to Immunize Colorado to renew and reinforce the organization's commitment to protecting Coloradans across the lifespan from vaccine-preventable diseases. Since its inception, Immunize Colorado has served as the only statewide independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children, families, and the Colorado community from vaccine-preventable disease. As part of our promise to not benefit financially from the programs and services we promote, Immunize Colorado does not accept any funding from vaccine manufacturers or distributors.
We Believe...
- That every child, adolescent and adult should be fully immunized to keep all of Colorado healthy.
- That increasing access to immunizations improves health equity among Coloradans.
- That collaborating with diverse partners and families strengthens our ability to advance immunizations in Colorado.
- That identifying and promoting effective and equitable policy solutions that improve access, delivery and demand for immunizations in Colorado increases immunization rates and reduces preventable illness.
- That because evidence shows school-required vaccine exemptions result in higher risk of vaccine-preventable disease to both the children who take the exemption and to others in the community, only meaningful exemptions after consultation with a health care provider should be granted.
- That educating providers on evidence-based immunization clinical practices promotes a high-quality health care work force and improves health outcomes.
- That conducting parent and community outreach and awareness campaigns on the importance and safety of vaccines increases the demand for immunization.