Colorado could lose millions in childhood vaccine funding under Trump
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Planned federal rollbacks on pandemic-era health care funding would cut nearly $41 million for childhood immunizations and vaccines in Colorado, per federal government data.
Why it matters: That money helps provide vaccines at little to no cost for children to fight preventable and sometimes deadly diseases. That includes measles — which is spiking across the country and has led to at least three cases in Colorado so far this year.
By the numbers: The grant cuts would include $40.8 million of $113 million — or 36% — primarily awarded to the state's health department.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to claw back about $11.4 billion from states nationwide for COVID-19 testing, vaccination and initiatives to bridge health disparities.
Yes, but: A federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts last week after nearly two dozen states, including Colorado, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser warned the state could lose more than $229 million for public health programs — including immunization distribution and training for local public health agencies focused on infectious disease surveillance.
What we're watching: How this plays out in court.