Two weeks ago, state health officials waived requirements for the fourth and fifth booster DPT vaccine because supplies are slow to come in to most state health clinics. The state's babies will receive what's left of the vaccine until production is back to normal. This year, Colorado ranks 42nd in the nation in vaccines. Last year, we ranked 38th, according to the Colorado Department of Health. Health officials with the CDH are concerned that lower vaccination rates could create health risks for other children and adults.
Health workers are also concerned that Colorado lacks a central vaccination registry.
Senate Bill 61 is scheduled for a reading in the state house committee this week. It would create a contract for a private company to oversee a database of vaccination records. Opponents of the measure say the taxpayer cost of maintaining the registry is not worth it. Colorado is also one of 15 states that allows parents to exempt their children from immunizations because of personal, religious or philosophical beliefs.