DENVER (KDVR) — A public health order and a standing order have been issued for Colorado residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, which will take effect on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a press release that the department and other state agencies, directed by Governor Jared Polis, have issued Public Health Order 25-01 and a standing order, allowing for pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without a doctor’s prescription.
CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan issued the Public Health Order 25-01, which will direct the department regarding access to COVID-19 vaccines, including working with “the Department of Regulatory Agencies to review and revise rules to ensure pharmacies can provide COVID-19 vaccines.”
“Since October 1, 2024, more than 4,500 Coloradans have been hospitalized due to COVID-19,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE. “This order ensures that Colorado takes every step possible to prevent hospitalizations, protect frontline health care workers, and preserve critical health care resources. Equitable vaccine access is a cornerstone of protecting the public’s health.”
The standing order issued by CDPHE’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ned Calonge, is said by the agency to serve as a prescription for Colorado residents, ages 6 months and older, to receive COVID-19 vaccines at a pharmacy without a prescription.
This comes after the Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines; however, the decision limited access nationwide. The decision resulted in CVS and Walgreens requiring Colorado residents to get prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines at their pharmacies.
“The FDA’s limited approval has created confusion and uncertainty because it appears to conflict with recommendations previously issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the guidance issued by several professional organizations,” said CDPHE in the press release.
In some states, pharmacists can only administer vaccines approved by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not made a recommendation on a vaccine this year. Furthermore, a new Colorado law this year also directed the state board of health to take into consideration the recommendations of additional medical groups.
“I’m taking action to ensure that Coloradans who want to can easily and conveniently get the safe and effective updated COVID vaccine, along with the flu vaccine, this Fall without having to go to a doctor first. These effective vaccines are available at many local pharmacies and supermarkets, and I encourage my fellow Coloradans to join me in getting protected,” said Governor Polis.
Unless amended or rescinded, the orders are effective from Sept. 5 until Sept. 4, 2026, said CDPHE.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
