Beginning December 16, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will send text messages and email reminders to more than 225,000 families with children ages 6 months to 5 years. These notifications are intended for those whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System indicate their child may be overdue for the annual flu vaccine.
The department’s text messages will come from the number 45778 and state:
“From CDPHE: State public health records indicate that your child/children aged 6 months through 5 years old may be due for their annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu-related illnesses and protect your child from serious complications. Contact a vaccine provider today! To find one near you: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/get-vaccinated.”
Emails will be sent from cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us and read:
“Our records indicate that as of Dec. 15, 2025, your child/children between the ages of 6 months through 5 years may be due for their annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can help protect your child from serious illness.
Getting a flu vaccine is especially important for children aged 5 years and younger because they are at higher risk of serious complications if they get sick with the flu. Colorado is currently experiencing increasing flu activity, with a 43% increase in flu hospitalizations during the last week in November.
Contact a health care provider, a local public health agency, or a local pharmacy to make a vaccine appointment today. Find a provider near you.
If your child/children have already received their annual flu vaccine, let us know about it! Complete this Google form to update their record in the Colorado Immunization Information System. You will need to submit a request form for each child.
You can access the immunization record for yourself or your child from the online Colorado Immunization Information System self-serve portal. For more information, including step-by-step directions on how to use the portal, visit CDPHE’s Get a Copy of Your Immunization Records webpage.”
According to CDPHE, most health insurance plans—including Medicaid and CHP+—cover all costs associated with getting a flu shot at providers who accept these plans. Families without insurance can still receive vaccines at no cost or low cost at nearly 600 providers across Colorado.
The department emphasizes that young children are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from influenza infection and encourages parents and guardians to schedule vaccination appointments promptly.
