Stay up-to-date on routine vaccines to keep Colorado communities safe and healthy
This afternoon, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will send text message and email notifications to parents and guardians of approximately 75,000 children aged 4-6 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System show their child/children may be overdue for a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“Measles is extremely contagious and can cause severe health complications, but it is almost entirely preventable,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. “With the resurgence of measles cases currently occurring both globally and in the United States, now is the time to ensure our Colorado communities are protected through vaccination.”
Since January 1, 2024, a total of 121 cases have been confirmed across 18 states. In December, an international traveler to Colorado tested positive for measles.
You can get the no or low-cost MMR vaccine at doctor’s offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some schools. Contact a health care provider or your local public health agency to make an appointment and learn more about which vaccine(s) might be recommended.
“Making sure your child sees their health care provider for well-child visits and recommended vaccines is one of the best things you can do to protect your child and Colorado communities,” said Heather Roth, immunization branch chief, CDPHE. “In addition to making sure your child is up-to-date on vaccines, be sure to do the same for yourself.” You can access the immunization record for yourself or your child from the online Colorado Immunization Information System self-serve portal. For more information, including step-by-step directions on how to use the portal, visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/for-the-public/get-a-copy-of-your-records.
The text messages will come from 45778 and read:
From CDPHE: According to state public health records, your child/children (4-6 yrs) may be overdue for their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The U.S. is seeing a rise in measles. Measles is a serious disease that spreads easily, hanging in the air for up to 2 hrs. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to get long-lasting protection from measles. Contact a vaccine provider today: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/find-no-cost-vaccine-provider
You can exempt your child/children from school-required vaccines. More info: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions
STOP=Exclude from future reminders
Emails will come from cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us and read:
Dear parent(s) or guardian(s),
According to state public health records, your child/ children aged 4 through 6 years may be overdue for their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles is not just a rash. It’s a disease that in its most serious cases can lead to respiratory failure, brain swelling, and even death. Measles spreads easily. It can hang around in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 unvaccinated people around them will get measles.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. It’s the best way to get long-lasting protection from measles. With the current rise in measles cases across the United States, now is the time to make sure your child is protected.
The MMR vaccine is easy to get. You can find it at doctor’s offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some schools. Contact a health care provider or your local public health agency to make an appointment and learn more about which additional vaccine(s) might be recommended.
If your child/children are already up to date with their MMR vaccine, let us know by filling out this secure form. Be sure to attach a copy of their vaccine record. We are standing by to update their vaccination record in our Colorado Immunization Information System and will notify you by email when it has been updated.
You can exempt your child/children from school-required vaccines. For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+, are required to cover recommended vaccines without charging patients. Your child may also be eligible for free vaccines. Colorado has tools to help parents and guardians make informed choices about vaccinating their children.
- COVaxRecords.org directs people on how to request vaccination records for their children.
- COVaxRates.org makes it easy for people to lookup vaccination and exemption rates for schools and child care facilities in Colorado so they can make the best decision for their children.
- ChildVaccineCO.org provides more information on routine vaccinations, as well as where to find a provider who offers low- or no-cost vaccines.
