Colorado Health Department to Text Tdap Vaccine Reminders

Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment began sending text messages and email notifications to families of more than 110,000 children ages 11-14 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System indicate they may be overdue for a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

The text messages read: 

“From CDPHE: According to our records, your child/children (11-14 yrs) may be overdue for their tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Tdap protects against whooping cough, which spreads easily in schools. The cough can last 10+ weeks and make it hard to breathe, eat, or sleep. Protection fades over time, making this Tdap booster important for your child.

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Colorado law requires Tdap before 7th grade. Beat the rush and schedule a visit now to check this off your to-do list and start the next school year with peace of mind.

Watch: youtube.com/watch?v=axU0ujeKIo8

Find a vaccine provider near you: cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/get-vaccinated

You can exempt your child/children from school-required vaccines. For more info, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions.”

Whooping cough is very contagious and spreads quickly in schools and social settings.