Prairie State Wire

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Sameer Vohra addressed recent leadership changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their impact on vaccine recommendations. In a statement, Vohra emphasized the department’s commitment to providing trustworthy public health guidance for Illinois residents.

Vohra cited his background as a pediatrician and public health professional, stating that transparency and credibility are essential for building trust in health recommendations. He said, "My experience as a pediatrician and public health professional has taught me that being a transparent, credible voice means allowing the science to lead, ensuring that our recommendations are informed by the appropriate data and individual personal experiences that support our collective health. The rigor and diligence applied to such a process creates trust in the system and allows healthcare providers to know that the recommendations they receive from government and public health leaders will help, not hurt, their patients."

He referenced recent events at the CDC, including the termination of its director and resignations of other senior leaders. According to Vohra, "the events of this week, including the termination of the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and the resignation of other senior experienced and respected leaders from the organization, provide the latest example that the current administration is continuing to disrupt the transparent, credible, science-based decision-making process that has served millions of Americans for decades." He further stated his belief in vaccines as critical public health tools: "From countless studies and personal experiences, I know that vaccines save lives. The development and widespread use of vaccines is one of the world’s greatest public health achievements. The public resignation of these CDC experts will make it even more difficult to understand how and why decisions are being made at the federal level, bringing disarray and distrust to the very public health systems that local and state health care providers rely on."

Vohra noted ongoing uncertainty regarding formal COVID-19 vaccine guidance from federal authorities. He explained that "these CDC leaders who resigned confirmed that they were asked to participate in an unscientific vaccine recommendation process that they believe could harm the health of Americans. These leaders validate our growing concern – the current federal administration displaying a pattern of repeated decisions about vaccines made without or in direct contradiction to scientific consensus."

In response to these developments, IDPH is conducting its own review using national and state data as well as input from medical specialty societies, experts across states, and its Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). Vohra said: "That is why we are currently reviewing national and state data, as well as seeking guidance from medical specialty societies, state and national experts, other states, and our own Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC will still consider guidance from ACIP, once delivered, but also many other sources before providing IDPH with recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations for the fall respiratory season. IDPH will then provide our own specific guidance by the end of September to help Illinois health care providers and residents make informed decisions about vaccination and protecting themselves and their loved ones."

He assured residents: "Illinois residents and health care providers should be assured that in Illinois, we will follow the science and data to provide the most credible, informed recommendations."

More information about immunizations can be found on IDPH’s website.