Colorado Vaccine Exemption**
The state of Colorado requires all students attending public, private, or parochial schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless they have a medical or nonmedical exemption on file at the school. The exemption process and forms are for Colorado school-required vaccines only.
Nonmedical Exemptions (NME)
Nonmedical exemptions (NMEs) are exemptions to one or more school-required vaccines based upon a religious belief whose teachings are opposed to immunizations or a personal belief that is opposed to immunizations. A nonmedical exemption may be obtained by parents or legal guardians, emancipated students, or students 18 years or older. There are two ways to obtain a Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption:
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Complete the Online Immunization Education Module and obtain the Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption without the signature of a health care provider. This form is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. After completing the module, you will be able to fill out an electronic form to obtain a Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption.
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Obtain a Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption signed by a health care provider. This form requires the signature of one of the following health care providers who are authorized to administer immunizations and licensed in the state of Colorado: an advanced practice nurse (APN), pharmacist, physician (MD, DO), physician assistant (PA), or registered nurse (RN).
Timing and Frequency of Submission
Immunizations and exemptions must be submitted to the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) within the following timing and frequencies:
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Children attending a licensed preschool or child care: The Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption should be submitted by the student’s parent/guardian upon entry and at each interval immunizations are due following the ACIP immunization schedule.
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Students in kindergarten through 12th grade: A Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption is to be submitted by the student’s parent/guardian upon entry and will expire annually on June 30 unless it is submitted as part of a school’s designated early registration period for the upcoming school year.
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Students in college or university: The Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption must be submitted upon enrollment.
Exemptions for Medical Reasons
If a student cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons, a Certificate of Medical Exemption must be submitted to the school, signed by an advanced practice nurse (APN), physician (MD, DO), or physician assistant (PA) licensed to practice in any state or territory in the United States. This certificate is only required once, unless the student's school or information changes.
Confidentiality and Opt-Out
Certificate of Medical Exemption information will be private and confidential, and will be stored in a secure database. You can remove your or your child's immunization and exemption information from CIIS at any time by contacting the CIIS School Coordinator. This process is called an "opt-out." If you change your mind in the future, you will be responsible for submitting a rescind opt-out form.
Vaccine Providers and Reporting
Vaccine providers are required to report medical and nonmedical exemptions to CIIS. You can also contact CDPHE to add your child's information to the system.
School Reporting
Schools must report annual immunization and exemption numbers (but not student names or birthdates) to the state health department. Schools do not control their specific immunization and exemption rates or establish the Vaccinated Children Standard described in §25-4-911, CRS.
Resources
For more information about Colorado's school vaccine requirements, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/schoolrequiredvaccines.
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Coloradans, including ensuring that students are vaccinated against infectious diseases to prevent the spread of illnesses. For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov.
Remember to check with your local health agency or community clinic for the latest vaccine availability, scheduling, and resources.
