Colorado parents want vaccine choice

Many Colorado parents question vaccine safety, necessity and timing. They value independence and feel they know their children better than physicians.

Parents customize vaccine schedules

Rather than rejecting all vaccines, parents space them out or skip ones they don't feel comfortable with based on their child's unique needs.

Trump's executive order targets MMR

Trump signed an order calling for measles, mumps and rubella vaccines to be given separately instead of combined.

Executive order lacks implementation power

The order is a symbolic gesture, not implementable policy. Trump claimed combined MMR could be lethal, a claim without scientific basis.

“Trump made the unsubstantiated claim that MMR vaccines given in combination could be 'quite lethal.'”

MMR has a long safety record

The combined MMR vaccine has been given since 1971 and became the only option around 2008. No evidence shows benefit in separating it.

Parents fear too many vaccines

Before COVID-19, 20% to 25% of U.S. parents chose alternative schedules or rejected some vaccines, fearing they'd overwhelm children's immune systems.

Colorado exemption rates are rising

About 87.7% of Colorado kindergartners received both measles shots in 2025-26, the sixth-lowest rate nationally and far below the 95% immunity threshold.

No separate vaccines manufactured

Individual measles, mumps and rubella shots haven't been made in the U.S. since 2008. Manufacturers have little incentive to change.

Pediatricians may stop stocking vaccines

36% of pediatricians have considered stopping vaccine provision due to cost and hassle. Storing three times the vials could push more to quit.

Pharmacists can't help young children

Pharmacists cannot administer vaccines to anyone younger than 3 years old under federal law, when vaccines are often most important.

Six visits instead of two

Senator Bill Cassidy noted that separate shots mean six doctor visits instead of two, with parents missing work six times and insurance paying for six visits.

“Instead of the child getting two shots, they're getting six. Instead of Mom and Dad missing work twice to bring the child to the doctor, they're missing six times.”

Rural Colorado faces access barriers

Distance, limited appointments and provider shortages already create barriers. The average rural healthcare visit costs $718, including $235 in lost wages.

Order increases confusion, not safety

The executive order offers no data or evidence to improve children's health. It does little to help struggling families or reduce parents' vaccine anxiety.