Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan issued Public Health Order 25-01 to allow pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions as of Friday, Sept. 5.

“Since Oct. 1, 2024, more than 4,500 Coloradans have been hospitalized due to COVID-19,” Ryan said. “This order ensures that Colorado takes every step possible to prevent hospitalizations, protect frontline health care workers and preserve critical health care resources.”

The actions come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limited its recent approval of updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines to those aged 65 and older or at higher risk of severe disease.

“The FDA’s limited approval created confusion and uncertainty because it appears to conflict with recommendations previously issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the guidance issued by several professional organizations,” according to a CDPHE media release on Wednesday.

CDPHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge issued a standing order that took effect on Friday that serves as a prescription allowing all Coloradans age 6 months and older to receive updated COVID-19 vaccines directly at a pharmacy without a separate doctor’s appointment or prescription. For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/covid-19/vaccine