Illinois is joining a growing number of states creating their own vaccine guidelines in response to recent federal changes.
Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order this month instructing the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to develop standing orders that authorize eligible health care providers — including pharmacists — to administer vaccines IDPH deems necessary.
The orders will cover seasonal respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, as well as routine childhood and adult immunizations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Hepatitis B. They will also clarify which age groups providers may vaccinate.
Pritzker said his action comes in response to decisions by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including:
The FDA’s rescission of emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines for most people ages 6 months to 64 without underlying conditions.
The removal of recommendations for pregnant patients.
The firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the dismissal of the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
“This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves against preventable serious illness,” Pritzker said. “When the federal government abandons its responsibility, Illinois will step up.”
Illinois joins states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, which recently announced their own vaccine protocols through the West Coast Health Alliance, as well as others including New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, and Pennsylvania that are issuing independent recommendations.
In a statement, IDPH said the state’s guidelines will not be mandatory but will provide evidence-based guidance for practitioners and families. “To the extent that CDC guidelines are backed by scientific evidence, IDPH will recommend them. If those guidelines deviate, IDPH will offer appropriate guidance to Illinois providers and families,” the agency said.
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