Prairie State Wire

Earlier this week, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released updated guidance for fall respiratory virus vaccines and took steps to improve access to COVID-19 vaccinations across the state. The department issued a statewide standing order that enables residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies and other clinical locations.

The new vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season are based on advice from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, as well as input from medical specialty groups and an analysis of both state and national data on respiratory illnesses.

IDPH Director Sameer Vohra, M.D., J.D., M.A., who is also a member of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS), signed the standing order to expand vaccine access. For routine immunizations that are not tied to specific seasons, IDPH continues to advise healthcare providers to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization schedules for children and adults that were published on August 7, 2025. These schedules incorporate current research and best practices.

Richard C. Anderson, M.D., President of ISMS, stated: “As we enter the fall respiratory virus season, it’s important for children and adults to get timely immunizations to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from these easily transmissible diseases. And, as always, if individuals have concerns, they should talk to their physicians.”

Governor Pritzker recently issued an Executive Order directing IDPH to develop Illinois-specific vaccine guidance.

For additional information or questions about these updates, individuals can contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.