Denver7 is helping families get ready to go back to class for the 2019-2020 school year. As part of that, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment encourages parents to make sure their kids are properly vaccinated.
For students entering kindergarten, the state requires an up to date shot record with the following vaccinations:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough)
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
The state also recommends the HPV vaccine and the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (meningitis) for students entering middle school.
In June, Governor Jared Polis signed an executive orderaimed at increasing the states school-age vaccination rates. Among other things, the order directs the CDPHE to study areas of the state with low rates, and provide more information about vaccines to the public. The CDPHE has the following resources for families:
- CoVaxRates.orgmakes it easy for parents and guardians look up vaccination and exemption rates for schools and child care facilities in Colorado so they can make the best decision for their children.
- CoVaxRecords.org directs people on how to request vaccination records for their children.
- CoVax4Kids.orghelps people find out if their kids are eligible for low- or no-cost vaccines and helps them find a provider who gives them.
- Spreadthevaxfacts.com guides people through information and misinformation about vaccines with advice from Colorado doctors who also are parents.