by Colleen Enos
Some homeschool families may be concerned about the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) meeting that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th, regarding implementation of the legislature’s directive in HB25-1027, Update Disease Control Statutes, and the use of the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immunization Schedule.
After attending the Colorado Board of Health Meeting on December 17, it is clear that no changes are taking place for homeschool families. Homeschool families fall into four categories for the purpose of school immunizations:
1. Independent homeschool families filing a Notice of Intent each year:
No Change
- Parents continue to keep immunization records at home, OR
- Parents keep a signed statement at home that the student is exempt.
2. Homeschool families enrolled in an Umbrella School, where students are enrolled but do not physically attend (CHEC offers the CHEC Independent School):
No Change
- Parents abide by the Umbrella School’s policy. (CHEC’s Independent School does not require any immunization records)
3. Homeschool families accessing publicly or privately funded classes/services or enrichment activities through a public, private, religious, charter, BOCES, or online school where the student must PHYSICALLY be present for the activity:
No Change
- Parents must provide students’ immunization records when requested by the school, OR
- Parents can claim a medical exemption through a medical provider OR
- Parents can claim a non-medical exemption from either a medical provider or by taking the education module.
4. Homeschool families accessing publicly or privately funded classes/services or enrichment activities through a public, private, religious, charter, BOCES, or online school where the student is NOT PHYSICALLY present for any activity:
No Change
- School may request that parents provide immunization records, OR
- Parents sign a statement that the student is exempt.
The rule changes are predominantly administrative and definitional. Additionally, the Board of Health is implementing the 2025 legislative change to rely on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations instead of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, adding guidelines for 19-21 year olds in high school and clarifying university MMR requirements.
None of these changes adjust the requirements for homeschool families. Families may still claim an exemption for their student from immunizations and opt out of the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS).
In Him,
Colleen Enos
CHEC Director of Government Relations
Colleen@CHEC.org
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