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Colorado health officials now have the authority to seek advice on vaccines from sources outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Federal authorities challenge past scientific consensus on vaccine safety, prompting Colorado to enact a law that empowers state health officials to seek advice from external experts rather than adhering to CDC recommendations.

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2 min read
Colorado health officials can now seek advice on vaccine matters from sources beyond the Centers...
Colorado health officials can now seek advice on vaccine matters from sources beyond the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Colorado health officials now have the authority to seek advice on vaccines from sources outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a significant move, Colorado is leading the charge in revising its approach to vaccine recommendations, distancing itself from the federal panel and bolstering vaccine access. This shift has been welcomed by medical professionals, including pediatricians, who believe it will lead to more evidence-based decisions.

The new approach was initiated after Colorado Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommending panel. In response, the Colorado health department consulted medical experts and public health professionals to develop vaccine recommendations tailored to the state's residents. While the exact identities or titles of these professionals have not been detailed, their involvement underscores the commitment to a more localised, expert-driven approach.

Dr. David Higgins, a pediatrician at the University of Colorado, played a key role in crafting a bill that paved the way for this change. His efforts, along with those of other medical professionals, have been instrumental in shaping Colorado's new vaccine policy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has also weighed in, recommending that children under 23 months receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This endorsement adds to the growing consensus that vaccines are a crucial tool in combating the pandemic.

Dr. Emily G. Hilliard, HHS press secretary, pointed NPR to a statement by Senator Kennedy, emphasising that the new panel members are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense.

Other states, including Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, are exploring similar ideas, suggesting that Colorado's approach could become a model for the nation.

This story is part of NPR's reporting partnership with Colorado Public Radio and KFF Health News. As Colorado forges ahead with its own vaccine recommendations, it remains to be seen how this new approach will impact vaccine uptake and public health outcomes. However, one thing is certain: the state is making a bold move towards a more locally-driven vaccine policy.

Colorado's efforts to protect its residents and lead the way in vaccine policy have been lauded by medical professionals. Dr. Kempe, a pediatrician, is glad that Colorado is forging ahead with its own recommendations, stating that the state is "pretty protected" in terms of vaccine policy. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it's clear that Colorado is committed to staying ahead of the curve.

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