Several different factors influence public health policy, only one of which is scientific evidence. The current situation regarding the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a fascinating saga fueled by things like mistruths, misinformation, and disinformation while receiving support from cultural cognition, where individuals accept facts and perceived risks and benefits in relation to their personal beliefs and values. With this in mind, the sitting ACIP members were dismissed by the new HHS Secretary in 2025 and replaced by members who all shared ideological commonalities regarding vaccines and COVID with the secretary. Since then, the Committee has undone many longstanding evidence-based recommendations made by prior Committee members.
Methods:
The Colorado General Assembly passed pre-emptive policies to provide a basis for Colorado to respond to changes anticipated under the new HHS secretary. With the leadership and policy recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other national professional organizations, Colorado responded with public health orders, standing orders, and emergency rule-making hearings to assure vaccine access. Legislation passed in the 2026 session further strengthened state immunization policy. Most recently, all actions by the HHS secretary in relation to the ACIP changes have been stayed, the HHS Secretary has appealed and announced other changes to ACIP recommendations. The Board of Health has passed supportive rules for school entry vaccines.
Results:
All Colorado children have access to the vaccine schedule that was enacted in February 2025, before the actions of the current HHS Secretary. All Other Public Health Fields actions are being considered to protect coverage for Medicaid-covered children.
Implications:
Colorado health and public health providers must collaborate on communication strategies to continue support and uptake of evidence-based vaccine recommendations for both children and adults, to support the public health of our residents.
