DDPHE Blog: Back-to-School Vaccines

DDPHE Blog: Back-to-School Vaccines

Published on August 12, 2026

What Denver Families Need to Know Heading into a new School Year

You may have heard recent national news about proposed changes to childhood vaccine recommendations at the federal level. We know this can raise questions for families. Colorado's vaccine requirements have not changed. Experts at the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on decades of scientific evidence.

What's happening at the federal level?

Earlier this month, the President signed an executive order directing federal health agencies to reorganize how childhood vaccines are recommended nationally. The order also encourages states to review their own school vaccination requirements, though it does not change state law directly.

What this means for Denver families:

Families in Denver still have access to all vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and these vaccines remain covered by insurance. DDPHE recommends that families continue to follow the AAP immunization schedule, which is designed to provide strong protection at the right moments in a child's development.

Getting ready for the new school year:

As families prepare for back-to-school, now's a good time to make sure everyone is up to date on their immunizations. Colorado's school immunization requirements haven't changed with this federal action.

• Check with your child's school or daycare about what documentation is needed for enrollment.
• Check immunizations records using the Colorado Immunization Information System public portal.
• Contact your health care provider if you're not sure what vaccinations your child might need.

Healthy kids are kids who can grow, play, and learn.

Childhood vaccines remain one of our most powerful tools to keep kids healthy so they can focus on growing, learning and doing the things they love. Vaccines help a child's immune system learn to recognize and respond to harmful germs, building a foundation for lifelong health, much the way learning to read builds a foundation for everything that comes after.

When most children are vaccinated, it slows the spread of disease, which helps protect babies, people with certain medical conditions, and others who depend on community immunity.

Vaccines follow a proven scientific process.

The AAP schedule is built through careful review by pediatric experts and medical researchers. It reflects the best available evidence and is continually updated to ensure children receive the most effective protection.

How DDPHE can help:

We understand that it can be confusing to keep up with changes at the federal level. Our job is to offer clear, reliable guidance for Denver families.

If you have questions about childhood vaccines or your child's vaccine schedule, talk with your health care provider or reach out to the DDPHE nursing team at [email protected].

• Public Health & Environment