Imagine a quiet determination in the face of what feels like a step backward in time. That’s the mood in Colorado right now, as folks ranging from everyday citizens to former state lawmakers are actively pushing back against some really unsettling changes in federal vaccine policy. They’re not just complaining; they’re rolling up their sleeves and working to protect their state, driven by a deep concern that public trust in life-saving vaccines is being quietly chipped away. It’s like they’re building a fortress of common sense and science, trying to shield their community from what they see as increasingly confusing and politicized messages coming from Washington.
At the heart of this resistance is a new state law, a bold move that essentially says, “We’ll think for ourselves, thank you very much.” Signed by Governor Jared Polis, this law gives Colorado the freedom to follow the advice of national medical experts, rather than being tied to federal guidelines that some worry are becoming less about public health and more about politics. Senator Kyle Mullica, a registered nurse and a co-sponsor of the bill, perfectly captured the sentiment, saying they’re “insulating our state from the dysfunction coming out of Washington” and are committed to “rely on science.” Governor Polis echoed this, highlighting their efforts to expand vaccine access and fight past barriers. This isn’t just a political skirmish; it’s a testament to a state—one of 29, plus D.C., taking similar action—that believes protecting its citizens’ health shouldn’t be a partisan issue. They’re worried that these federal shifts could erode the broad vaccine coverage that has protected generations.
This strong stance by Colorado is a direct response to a controversial decision by the CDC in January. Advisory panelists, hand-picked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.—who is known for his skepticism about vaccines—removed six pediatric immunizations from the universal recommendation list. This move sent ripples of concern through medical communities and state governments alike. In Colorado, this concern spurred the creation of “Colorado Chooses Vaccines,” a coalition of doctors, scientists, local leaders, and everyday Coloradans. Their mission is clear: to offer a unified, science-backed voice about the immense benefits of vaccines and to reassure residents who are understandably confused by these federal reversals. They’re stepping up to fill a void, ensuring that the clear message about vaccine safety and effectiveness isn’t drowned out by misinformation.
Among the most compelling voices in this new coalition is Carol Boigon, a former Denver City Council member. Her story isn’t just compelling; it’s a chilling reminder of what life was like before widespread vaccination. Growing up in 1950s Detroit, she remembers her childhood summers as a terrifying season of illness. “Every summer everybody got sick,” she recalls, referring to polio, a truly dreadful viral disease that could paralyze its victims. In 1953, at the tender age of five, Carol herself fell victim. “The whole block was sick and some of us got crippled, and that was just the way it was,” she shared. Six weeks in the hospital, a high fever, and the virus attacking her spine left her unable to move her limbs. While she eventually regained function in most of her body, her right arm never fully recovered. Today, she still struggles with tasks that others take for granted, like shaking hands, relying on her left arm. Her personal battle with polio, vividly illustrated by a childhood photo showing her weakened arm in a brace, is now a powerful narrative the coalition uses to educate new generations about the horrors of diseases that, thanks to vaccines, many now consider relics of the past.
Carol’s story isn’t just history; it’s a stark contrast to the optimism that followed the widespread availability of polio vaccines in 1954, just a year after she got sick. As vaccination rates soared, U.S. polio cases plummeted by a staggering 85% to 90%. This historical success story is why Colorado leaders are so determined to maintain public trust in vaccines. Beyond the new state law, Colorado has taken other proactive steps. They joined the WHO’s Global Outbreak and Response Network after the U.S. pulled out, and participated in a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding childhood vaccine schedules. The new state law also strengthens the ability of pharmacists to prescribe and administer vaccines, and crucial legal protections for healthcare workers who provide these services. As Susan Lontine, another coalition member and former state lawmaker, said, “This law will provide more clarity to guide all Coloradans, including providers who administer vaccines.” It’s an effort to empower both healthcare providers and the public to make informed decisions rooted in scientific consensus.
Yet, this stand for science isn’t without its detractors. Opponents argue that the law interferes with parental choice and express concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, despite overwhelming scientific evidence. Republican state Senator John Carson, who voted against the bill, voiced worries about a “big political dispute.” Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy continues to defend his decisions, even suggesting that fewer people getting a flu vaccine “may be a better thing.” Carol Boigon, looking at these developments, can only feel a sense of disbelief and frustration. Her poignant observation, “It’s like we’re going backwards… It’s like we have decided we don’t want a modern life. We wanna be back in the 1950s where children are sick and dying,” perfectly encapsulates the deep concern driving Colorado’s fight. This isn’t just about policy; it’s about remembering a time when preventable illnesses like measles (which Colorado is now seeing in concerning numbers, along with severe flu seasons) devastated communities. It’s about remembering the hard-won victories of public health and ensuring that future generations don’t have to relive the terrifying realities that Carol Boigon and countless others experienced.