The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has revised the non-medical immunization exemption form used by parents who do not want their children to receive state-required vaccinations.

The purpose of the waiver is to inform parents who choose not to vaccinate their children of the risks associated with various childhood diseases.

Dr. Larry Wolk, department executive director and chief medical officer, said, “State vaccination requirements for day care and school entry are important tools for maintaining high vaccination coverage rates, and in turn, lower rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Parents who choose to exempt their children from immunizations without a medical reason are putting their children at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Wolk. “We made reasonable changes to the form in response to feedback we received. The revised form will continue to ensure parents are informed of the risks of not vaccinating their children.”

Like other states, Colorado has a provision for parents to get a waiver of immunization requirements for medical, religious or personal reasons.

A parent or guardian completing the form can opt out of any or all of the required vaccinations. Colorado Board of Health rules require parents/guardians to complete the waiver each year.