Personal Belief Exemption Policy

On May 2, 2014 Governor Hickenlooper signed into law an amended version of HB1288: Concerning Personal Belief Exemptions to Immunization Requirements for Children Prior to Attending School.

The current version of HB 1288 eliminates the proposed requirements around personal belief exemption but will require schools (as defined in this section of statute, the term “schools” includes child care centers and K-12 schools) to provide immunization and exemption rates upon request, beginning July 1, 2014.

Additionally, the bill will includes the following provisions:

• Directs CDPHE to create an online, evidence-based education module about the benefits and risks of vaccine that will be available publicly as a resource for parents and others who may have questions and are seeking credible, current and evidence-based information regarding vaccines. There is no requirement that parents view this prior to electing a personal belief exemption.
• Directs the Board of Health at CDPHE to promulgate rules regarding the frequency that child care centers and schools must collect vaccine exemption forms. Today, no such guidance is provided.
• Directs CDPHE to work with other state agencies (likely CDHS and HCPF) to establish a policy on immunization data collection.
• Directs CDPHE to provide technical assistance to schools (again, K-12 and child care) regarding how to analyze and interpret immunization data.

Why House Bill 1288 is important:

• The new online educational resource, data collection policy and technical assistance to schools components are all valuable in ensuring we have more credible, evidence-based information about vaccines and vaccination exemption in Colorado available to parents, educators and state policymakers.
   
• Requiring new Board of Health regulations re: the frequency of exemptions is valuable to ensuring parents actively affirm their decision of whether or not to vaccinate their children with some regularity. Environments and circumstances change. We have experienced a pertussis epidemic in Colorado and are seeing the return of measles in other states. With these environmental changes, parents may want to reconsider their choices and this provision ensures that they do so on a regular basis. 
   
• The transparency component of requiring schools to disclose their immunization and exemption rates is valuable in terms of arming parents with good information about choosing the right child care center or school for their child. It is especially important for the parents of medically fragile kids who are at higher risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.
   
• It is a thoughtful solution endorsed by the majority of participants in a 2013 statewide stakeholder process. It is backed by parents, health experts and educators and enjoys bipartisan support.

Thank you to the many supporters who've participated in this process by contacting legislators and speaking up for stronger vaccination policies. We are excited about this wonderful victory for Colorado families and communities and look forward to updating you on the bill’s continuing progress and additional immunization policy issues.