Colorado's Stand on Vaccine Rules: Why the State is Going Its Own Way
Colorado is making a bold move. It's choosing to stick with its own vaccine rules instead of following new federal guidelines. This decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their childhood immunization schedule. The CDC now recommends fewer vaccines, leaving some decisions up to parents and doctors.
State's Decision
The state's health department says it's not following the new federal rules. Instead, it's relying on a schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This schedule is used by many doctors and is based on extensive research. Colorado officials say they want to ensure families have trustworthy information to keep kids safe.
Financial Considerations
This isn't just about rules. It's also about money. Colorado passed a law to make sure insurance companies keep covering vaccines, even if federal rules change. This way, families won't have to pay more for vaccines.
Broader Implications
Colorado is not the only state making its own rules. Other states are also thinking about doing the same. This is part of a bigger debate about vaccines and who decides what's best for kids.
School Vaccine Rules
The state's health department says school vaccine rules haven't changed. They still want parents to talk to doctors about vaccines. It's all about keeping kids healthy and safe.