DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis ordered state health officials to allow pharmacies and doctors to administer this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine to people who want it without a prescription starting Friday in the wake of new federal guidelines that limited their use for millions in the U.S.

In a statement Wednesday, Polis announced he would be directing state health officials to issue public health and standing orders that expand access to the vaccine by removing “ridiculous and costly red tape” to ensure Coloradans who wish to get vaccinated against the virus can do so. Among the provisions, state health officials will make sure the COVID-19 vaccine is covered under all health insurance plans.

The announcement comes a week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited COVID-1

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