Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker has signed Executive Order 2025-04, initiating a statewide effort to maintain vaccine access in Illinois during the upcoming fall respiratory virus season. The order places the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) at the center of these efforts, working alongside multiple state agencies to ensure residents can receive recommended vaccines and rely on guidance grounded in scientific evidence.

Under this executive order, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra is directed to issue a Standing Order that allows eligible providers in pharmacies and other clinical settings to administer vaccines recommended by IDPH after consulting with its Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). The aim is to guarantee continued access for Illinoisans to immunizations amid expectations of increased seasonal respiratory illnesses later this year.

“This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves against preventable serious illness,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When the federal government abandons its responsibility, Illinois will step up. We will follow the science, listen to medical experts, and do everything in our power to enable families to receive the care they need.”

The executive order also instructs IDPH and partner agencies to publish accessible guidance, support school-based vaccination programs, and collaborate with local health departments and community organizations throughout the state. These measures come as a response to recent federal actions—including leadership changes at key health agencies—that have caused confusion about vaccine guidelines and threatened access for many groups.

Major medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have criticized recent federal decisions that eliminated vaccine recommendations for various populations. These groups continue to endorse broad access to COVID-19 and other essential vaccines.

Executive Order 2025-04 aims to ensure that regardless of future federal policy changes, residents will have access to both seasonal and routine vaccinations for illnesses including COVID-19, flu, RSV, polio, measles, whooping cough, and hepatitis B.

To reinforce science-based decision-making, IDPH has expanded its Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC) with experts from fields such as infectious diseases, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, family medicine, internal medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health practice, and epidemiology. The IAC’s next meeting is scheduled for September 22; its recommendations will inform public guidance before September 26.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to saving lives,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “With confusing and conflicting guidelines from the federal government, the Executive Order ensures Illinois residents have the credible, transparent, and science-based guidance they need to make vaccine decisions for themselves and their family. We will work with every partner—from pharmacies to schools to rural clinics—to ensure access to critical vaccines to keep our Illinois residents and their families protected.”

The new measures are designed so Illinois can quickly respond if barriers arise at the federal level that could restrict immunization availability for children or vulnerable populations. State officials encourage all residents—especially those over 65 or with chronic conditions—to consult healthcare providers about fall vaccinations. Resources like the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard provide information on current virus activity in Illinois; locations offering publicly funded vaccines are listed on the Vaccine Locator Dashboard; further details are available on the IDPH Immunization page.

Medical professionals across organizations voiced support for these steps:

“The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics applauds these efforts to ensure access to safe and life-saving vaccines for the children of Illinois,” said Michelle Barnes, MD, FAAP. “We have seen firsthand how serious...the effects of vaccine-preventable illnesses can be on children...We are grateful...for protecting access...and allowing pediatricians...to continue...science-based recommendations.”

“Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illnesses...” said Richard C. Anderson M.D., President of the Illinois State Medical Society. “We applaud the Governor’s action in support of IDPH Director Dr. Vohra’s leadership...”

"We thank Governor Pritzker for his leadership in ensuring pharmacists can continue..." said Garth Reynolds from the Illinois Pharmacists Association.

“Ensuring vaccines continue...especially for some of our most vulnerable communities...is critical...” said HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn.

“Illinois continues to demonstrate what strong public health leadership looks like,” stated Tom Hughes from the Illinois Public Health Association.

“At IDFPR we are committed...to ensure that every individual in Illinois has information and access...” added Mario Treto Jr., Secretary at IDFPR.