Earlier this week, Dr. Tripti C. Kataria, President-Elect of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS), joined Governor J.B. Pritzker for the signing of House Bill 767, a law supported by ISMS.
The new legislation gives the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) more flexibility to consider recommendations from local scientific and medical experts if they disagree with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also expands the authority of IDPH’s Immunization Advisory Committee to override advice from the state’s public health director.
Dr. Kataria emphasized that ISMS members believe science should guide decisions about public health in Illinois. She stated, “As physicians, we want to do everything possible to keep our patients safe and healthy. And keeping up to date with vaccines is an easy way to avoid some of the most serious illnesses that are preventable.”
She added thanks on behalf of ISMS: “ISMS thanks Governor Pritzker, IDPH Director and ISMS member Dr. Sameer Vohra, along with the General Assembly, for taking this important step for the state to keep our patients healthy by providing access to the immunizations needed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”
The law will also require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover certain vaccines at no cost for patients.
For further information, inquiries can be directed via email to Erin O’Brien, ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs.
